Carson City area weather update: Winter storm brings bursts of heavy snowfall to lower valleys
A winter storm pushing into the area will continue through Sunday, with bursts of moderate to heavy snowfall for Carson City and surrounding counties and heavy snow in the Sierra.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect until 10 p.m. Sunday night for the greater Lake Tahoe, where anywhere from a foot or more of snow is expected in the higher elevations above 7,000 feet making travel difficult over mountain passes.
For the lower valleys in western Nevada, this colder area of low pressure has brought bands of snow showers to the area this morning after a mix of rain and snow showers overnight. The snowfall is making for slick driving conditions. While forecasters initially advised the Carson City area could receive up to an inch of snowfall, a band that has moved through has produced at least that amount in some areas of the capital city as of 8 a.m.
NWS advises travel could be very difficult with these bands of heavier snow showers already having produced rapid changes in visibility and road conditions.
As of 8 a.m. Sunday, chains or snow tires are required on I-580 through Washoe Valley, Highway 50 East and chains required chains required over Gieger Grade, State Route 341. In the Sierra, chains are required over US-50 Spooner, State Route 207 Kingsbury Grade, State Route 431 Mt. Rose Highway, and I-80 over Donner at the Nevada, California state line.
See NVroads.com or call 511 for the latest road conditions, which could change later in the day depending on snowfall conditions.
Those with plans driving into the Sierra should avoid travel if possible, NWS forecasters advise. If you must travel, prepare for long delays and carry an emergency kit with extra food, water and clothing.
Looking at the upcoming week, a chilly start is expected Monday as north to northeast breezes keep high temperatures in the 30s for Sierra valleys and lower 40s for western Nevada. Stronger northeast ridgetop winds with gusts 70-plus mph will develop Monday morning and continue through late evening, according to the weather service.
A dry pattern is expected to prevail for the bulk of the week, with the only possible exception being a few very light snow showers near the Oregon border Tuesday night-early Wednesday. Temperatures will generally rebound from Tuesday through Friday with highs mainly in the 40s to near 50.