Carson City area weather: Heavy snow possible through Saturday prompts Winter Storm Watch
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Wed, 02/22/2023 - 9:15am
With the potential for heavy snow and difficult driving conditions, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch from late Thursday night through Saturday morning for the Carson City area and surrounding counties.
Total snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches are possible with 4 inches to a foot above 5,000 feet. The highest snow totals are anticipated to be in the Pine Nut Range, Virginia City Highlands and eastern slopes of the Carson Range as well as portions of Douglas County, according to the weather service.
Winds could gust as high as 35 mph and travel could be very difficult to impossible, including the morning and evening commute. If traveling consider alternate plans. Motorists should carry tire chains, extra food, water and clothing. Once the storm arrives, travel may be difficult or impossible for an extended period of time, NWS forecasters said.
Meanwhile, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the greater Lake Tahoe area with a Winter Storm Watch in effect from 4 a.m. Friday through Saturday morning, according to the weather service.
Total snow accumulations of 3 to 10 inches are possible at lake level, with 10 to 20 inches above 7,000 feet near and west of Highway 89. Winds gusting as high as 75 mph along Sierra ridgelines with gusts up to 35 mph in the Tahoe Basin. Waves 2 to 4 feet on Lake Tahoe.
For the Winter Storm Watch in the Lake Tahoe area, heavy snow possible with snow accumulations of 6 to 16 inches. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph along Sierra ridgelines.
Travel could be very difficult to impossible, including the morning and evening commute. Strong winds could cause tree damage. The cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
The weather service advises there may be big differences in snow totals over short distances due to the showery nature of the storm Wednesday through Thursday. Showers will be most prevalent in the afternoon hours Wednesday and again midday Thursday through Thursday night, with snow becoming steady Friday morning.
For road and travel information call 511 or go to NVroads.com. Check back for updates.
