Carson City winter storm warning in effect, keep off roads if possible
Submitted by Jaedyn Young on Sat, 03/02/2024 - 9:04am
After days of discussion, a much anticipated winter storm barreled down on Carson City and surrounding counties Saturday delivering several inches of snow on the valley floor and multiple feet at Lake Tahoe and across the Sierra.
A winter storm warning warning was issued in Carson City and the surrounding counties by the National Weather Service.
The winter storm warning will remain in effect until 10 p.m. today, according to the report. There is expected to be heavy snow with accumulations of six to 14 inches for valley floors, and two to three feet for Virginia City, the Virginia Highlands and foothills above 5000 feet. Wind will be as high as 55 mph of gusts.
A blizzard warning for Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas was issued through 10 p.m. today as well. Snow accumulations are expected between three and six feet for Lake Tahoe communities, with six to 10 feet above 7000 feet, according to the NWS. Wind will range from 70 mph in lower elevations and above 115 mph over Sierra ridges.
According to the NSW forecasters’ update at 3 a.m. this morning, several roads remain closed throughout the Sierra, notably I-80 over Donner Summit as well as US-395 from Mammoth Lakes to Bridgeport.
Travel conditions are deteriorating, so NWS strongly recommends that if you don’t need to go outside, to stay indoors and avoid travel. From now into early tomorrow, additional accumulations will range from one to three feet in the greater Tahoe area and an additional accumulation of two to four inches in the valleys and six to 12 inches in the foothills
There will be whiteout conditions with near zero visibility at times due to blowing snow, so travel will be dangerous and potentially life-threatening in the higher elevation areas. NSW recommends everyone does not travel in these conditions.
The roads in the valley areas will become slick and hazardous, so avoid driving if possible.
In all areas, the weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages.
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. If you get stranded, stay in your vehicle. To hear to the latest road conditions, check nvroads.com or call 5-1-1.
