Carson City weather: High winds, drenching valley rain and heavy Sierra snow ahead this week
After a break from active weather Monday and Tuesday another storm system will move into the region Wednesday bringing high winds, feet of Sierra snow and the potential for heavy valley rains, according to the National Weather service.
This system has been trending wetter and warmer with potential for heavy valley rains and heavy snow accumulations for higher Sierra locations. For the foothills and valleys, 6,000 feet and below, snow level forecasts have been widely varied with this storm, but a heavy rain scenario is fairly certain, forecasters say.
Rises on streams and terminal lakes are possible. Poor drainage flooding is also likely for areas that typically experience urban flooding during heavy rains, especially areas where snow is damming up drains and culverts.
Expect snow levels to rise from valley surfaces early Wednesday. Current estimates for how high they may rise are around 7,000 feet; this represents about a 3,000 feet increase from the previous forecast, but could still be conservative. Several model members have snow levels rising to 8,000 feet while fewer keep them lower around 6,000 feet.
Warmer temperatures can hold a lot more liquid than colder ones. Forecasters say the liquid amount range could be from 2 to 4 inches in the Sierra with around an inch for the Sierra Front and .05 inches for the basin and range.
Cold temperatures will linger early Wednesday with snow likely for most areas. However, expect snow to rise through the day. With snow levels rising, anticipate a transition to rain and rain/snow mix below 7000 feet.
Smaller streams along the Sierra Front may be of more concern, like Steamboat and some of the drainages out of the Carson Range and Sierra. Mainstem rivers will probably be fine with snow largely being absorbed by snow in the foothills and higher Sierra, but we could see some issues for smaller streams if lower snow melts rapidly.
Therefore, heavy snows will be likely above 7,000 feet (8,000 feet if warmer scenarios verify). Several feet, up to 5 feet possible, may fall.
A Winter Weather Watch has been issued for the Sierra from around midnight Wednesday through Thursday.
Meanwhile, a High Wind Watch is in effect from Tuesday night through late Wednesday night for the Carson City region.
Winds will increase Tuesday night and last into Thursday morning, south to southwest 20 to 40 mph with gusts to 65 mph in the valleys, according to the weather service.
Hazardous travel is likely for high profile vehicles. Damage to trees and power lines is also possible along with minor structural damage. The weather service advises to bring in the pets and secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture, holiday decorations, and trash cans before winds increase which could blow these items away.
The best thing to do is prepare ahead of time by making sure you have extra food and water on hand, flashlights with spare batteries and/or candles in the event of a power outage.
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