Carson City area weather: Damaging winds expected Monday prompts NWS warning
A dramatic shift in the weather and a sharp return to winter conditions is expected beginning Monday for the Carson City and Sierra region with damaging winds probable, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a High Wind Warning.
High winds with potentially damaging gusts of 60 mph or more will materialize by Monday morning with the strongest winds targeting wind prone sections of the Highway 395 and Interstate 580 corridor across western Nevada and Mono County, according to weather service forecasters. A High Wind Warning is in place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday for the greater Reno, Carson City and Carson Valley locations with gusts of up to 60 mph to 80 mph possible in the foothills and wind prone locations along Highway 395 and Interstate 580, and winds from 25 to 35 mph elsewhere.
Sierra ridge wind gusts are forecast to be near and above 100 mph. Blowing dust may reduce visibility at times across Pershing, Churchill and Mineral counties.
The weather service advises damaging winds will be strong enough to blow down trees and power lines that could cause widespread power outages. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Gusty winds and dry conditions may result in a period of localized critical fire conditions. The weather service urges people to avoid activities that may spark a fire.
Snow will impact travel in the Sierra and northeast California Monday morning and afternoon, with rain and snow spreading into western Nevada lower elevations through Monday evening.
Snowfall amounts of 6 to 12 inches are forecast near the Sierra crest, with up to 6 inches down to the Lake Tahoe basin and southward into western Mono County. A Winter Weather Advisory is in place from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday for Lake Tahoe and the Sierra.
High temperatures early this week will be more than 30 degrees colder compared to last week's warm spell, with widespread freezing conditions likely Monday and Tuesday nights.
Now is the time to prepare for this significant change back to winter weather. Secure loose outdoor items before the winds increase Monday, and have sufficient food, water, warm clothing and emergency supplies handy in case of power outages. Anyone planning travel in the Sierra Monday through early Tuesday can expect slick travel conditions and delays with chain controls.