Carson City area weather: Storm brings heavy snow to lower valleys, Lake Tahoe and Sierra
A winter storm will continue to bring heavy, wet snow into Carson City and surrounding counties Sunday into at least Monday, causing travel and commute issues, according to the National Weather Service.
Several inches of snow has already fallen in valley areas across the region, and at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra. Chain or snow tires are required throughout the area, including in Carson City on Highway 50, as well as I-580 through Washoe Valley and and US-395 through the Carson Valley. See NVroads.com or call 511 for the latest travel updates.
The big picture takeaway from forecasters is to stay at home and avoid travel. Up to 8 inches of snow is expected along the valley floor in Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and Carson Valley. Above 5,000 to 5,500 feet, 1 to 2 feet of snowfall is forecast for areas including the Virginia City Highlands, the foothills west of Highway 395, and along Highways 338, 359, and US-6 in Lyon and Mineral counties, according to the National Weather Service.
For Lake Tahoe and Sierra, snow accumulations of up to 3 ore more feet is possible with eastern Sierra communities below 7000 feet, except up to 6 inches for areas below 5,500 feet in Mono County, and 3 to 5 feet above 7,000 feet.
Winds gusting as high as 60 mph over mountain tops and wind prone locations along US-395 and US-95, with valleys gusts of 30 to 40 mph.
Travel will be difficult to impossible Sunday morning due to whiteout conditions and snowfall rates up to 2 inches per hour. Strong winds and heavy snow could damage trees and power lines.
Snow may turn to rain Sunday afternoon and evening below 5,000 to 5,500 feet.
Looking ahead, Additional winter storms are possible through the end of the work week, though they will be much weaker in comparison to Sunday's storm system.
Check back for updates.