Carson City area weather: More snow this weekend, Sierra travel not advised
Enjoy the short break in weather activity because the weekend looks to bring another potent winter storm with heavy snow in the Sierra and several inches possible around Carson City and lower valleys, according to the National Weather Service.
For the Sierra, a Winter Storm Watch has been posted by the weather service for Saturday through Monday for the greater Lake Tahoe area, with 2 to 3 feet of snow possible above 7,000 feet and wind anywhere from 45 mph to up to 100 mph along the Sierra crest.
At the time of this writing there hasn't been an advisory for the valley areas, but that could change later today, according to forecasters, who said the storm could bring snow to the lower valleys, anywhere from 2 to 6 inches, with the foothills and Washoe Valley possibility getting anywhere from 6 inches to a foot.
"Some of the valley snow could start late Saturday evening into Sunday morning, and that where most accumulation is likely, 2 to 6 inches, with places like Washoe Valley or the foothills around the cities getting anywhere from 6 to 12 inches as a potential," said NWS meteorologist Mark Deutschendorf.
Meanwhile, the relentless storms hitting the Sierra could further plague travel this weekend as snow removal crews from NDOT and Caltrans continue to dig out from this week's storms that dropped multiple feet of snow.
Travel could be very difficult to impossible, forecasters warn, with strong winds may cause tree damage and lead to some power outages. Snowfall may continue into Tuesday, becoming lighter and more showery in nature.
For those with travel plans into the Sierra, NWS forecasters advise motorists to prepare an emergency kit for your home and car. If traveling consider alternate plans, remember to carry tire chains, extra food, water and clothing. Once the storm arrives, travel may be difficult or impossible for an extended period of time.
See the latest National Weather Service forecaster discussion here. For the latest road conditions, call 511 or go to NVroads.com.
Check back for updates.