Winter Weather Advisory underway for Carson City area, Winter Storm Warning in Sierra
With snow levels falling to the valley floor Tuesday morning, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the greater Reno, Carson City and Carson Valley areas, while Lake Tahoe and Sierra are under a Winter Storm Warning.
Snow accumulation of 1 to 4 inches is expected in the valleys with 3 to 7 inches above 5,000 feet, according to the weather service advisory. The main period for accumulating snowfall is expected between 5 and 11 a.m. Tuesday and could occur in intense bursts of snow.
Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions will impact the Tuesday morning commute. Even light snowfall causes major travel delays, especially during periods of high traffic volume. Be sure to allow extra time to reach your destination. Leave extra space between vehicles since it takes longer to stop on slick roadways.
The advisory run through noon Tuesday. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 511 or going to NVroads.com.
Meanwhile, a Winter Storm Warning is underway through 4 a.m. Wednesday for the Lake Tahoe area. Heavy snow will be ongoing with with additional snow accumulations of 10 to 20 inches, with 18 to 36 inches above 7000 feet through Tuesday evening. Wind gusts up to 45 mph with ridge top gusts in excess of 100 mph at times. Waves up to 4 feet on Lake Tahoe.
Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions will impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. Isolated lightning is possible near the Sierra crest.
There will be a lull in snowfall activity until early Tuesday morning. The heaviest snowfall is expected through through 2 p.m. Tuesday, with bands of snow showers continuing through Tuesday evening.
Avoid travel if possible, you could be stuck in your vehicle for many hours. If you must travel, prepare for long delays and carry an emergency kit with extra food, water and clothing. If you stay home, have a backup plan in case of power outages.
The National Weather Service has also issued a Backcountry Avalanche Warning for the greater Lake Tahoe area and Sierra. High avalanche danger in the mountains is expected to last through Tuesday night.
The warning extends through the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains between Yuba Pass (Highway 49) on the north and Ebbetts Pass (Hwy 4) on the south, including the greater Lake Tahoe area.