Carson City weather: High winds, some snow down to valley floors with arriving storm
UPDATE: A High Wind Warning is in effect now through 10 p.m. Thursday for Carson City and much of Western Nevada as a winter storm arrives in the region.
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A winter storm will provide the potential for strong and damaging winds beginning Thursday into Thursday night, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a High Wind Watch for Carson City and much of the western Nevada region.
South to southwest winds will begin increasing early Thursday morning ahead of a strong cold front. Winds will peak Thursday afternoon and early evening before decreasing behind the front, according to the weather service.
Gusts could get as high as 80 mph in wind prone locations. The weather service advises to secure any loose objects and check with your airline for any travel delays.
Periods of heavy Sierra snowfall are possible Thursday afternoon through Friday morning. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Lake Tahoe and Sierra beginning Thursday afternoon. Up to 2 feet of snow is expected above 6,500 feet, according to the weather service.
Strong winds may create whiteout conditions in the Sierra Thursday afternoon and early Friday, so try and avoid traveling if you can or be prepared for excessive travel times.
For western and west-central Nevada, accumulating snow is possible late Thursday night and Friday morning. As much as 1 to 3 inches of snowfall will be possible for the Reno-Sparks, Carson City, and Minden areas, with up to an inch eastward into west-central Nevada.
Slick and snow covered roads could impact the peak commute time Friday morning. Localized areas of blowing snow in wind-prone locations could significantly reduce visibilities through Friday morning. The snow should taper off by Friday night with clearing and mostly sunny skies by Saturday.
The Friday morning commute across western Nevada could also be impacted with accumulating snow possible on the valley floor.
Check back for updates.