Is it March or May? Cold, windy and wet storms through Tuesday
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Tue, 05/14/2019 - 2:55pm
An unusual and persistent weather pattern will send cold Pacific storms into the Carson City region Wednesday through early next week, a pattern that is more typical of early March rather than late May.
For Carson City and throughout western Nevada we can expect periods of rain and strong gusty winds and for the Sierra, heavy wet snow starting at around 8,000 feet and dropping to 6,000 feet, according to the National Weather Service.
Anyone with travel plans over the Sierra through next Tuesday should prepare for occasional winter driving conditions including chain controls and plan for extra travel time. Open Sierra pass roads could have snow accumulation issues especially at night or in the early morning. The weather service has issued a Winter Storm Warning in effect for much of the western slope of the Sierra from Wednesday night into Friday morning.
With persistent windy conditions, rough air should be expected through the weekend with increased turbulence and impacts to high profile vehicles on wind prone roads.
Spring recreation on mountain trails and lakes will also be impacted, so be sure to check the forecast before venturing out.
For those with outdoor activities such as parties or commencements, the weather services advises to have an indoor backup plan. Vulnerable and homeless populations are at increased risk of hypothermia issues in this type of weather given how abnormal it is for May.
The first storm will roll in Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning with numerous rain showers across the region coupled with strong gusty southwest winds. Spot flooding in poor drainage areas is possible, but no river flooding is expected.
Mountain areas will see a transition from rain to snow by daybreak Thursday. A few additional showers are likely into Friday with snow impacts for mountain roads. Both Thursday and Friday will be quite cold with highs some 15 to 25 degrees below normal, according to the weather service. The wind will make it feel even colder.
After a break Friday night into Saturday morning, another storm will sweep through Saturday night into Sunday morning with more valley rain and mountain snow showers along with gusty winds.
Looking further out, simulations show a final but fairly strong storm for Tuesday which could have widespread travel impacts from rain, mountain snow, and wind across much of Nevada and California. Being this far out however there is less certainty on details, but the storm bears watching. Below normal temperatures are however expected to remain through much of next week.
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