Carson City area weather: Storm to bring snow to valley floors impacting commutes
Submitted by Jaedyn Young on Sun, 11/06/2022 - 8:15am
A winter storm moving into the region is expected to bring up to 4 feet of snow to the Sierra and a few inches to the valley floors Monday and Tuesday impacting motorist travel commutes, according to the National Weather Service.
A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the Lake Tahoe area and the Sierra, while a Winter Weather Weather Advisory is in effect Sunday night for the greater Reno, Carson City and Carson Valley areas in Douglas County.
For the lower valley areas, including Carson City, storm total snow accumulation up to 4 inches is possible, except 4 to 7 inches above 5,000 feet, according to the weather service. Locally higher totals are possible in the foothills west of Highway 395 and south of US-50.
Winds gusting as high as 50-60 mph in wind prone areas early Monday.
The Winter Weather Advisory is from 10 p.m. Sunday to 4 a.m., Wednesday. Forecasters advise bursts of snow will be possible Monday morning, followed by a break until the next and more robust round of snow arrives midday Tuesday.
While there may be breaks in snowfall during the advisory period, hazardous road conditions may persist as cold temperatures will help to refreeze wet road surfaces, the weather service advises.
Motorists should plan on slippery road conditions with hazardous conditions that may impact the Monday morning commutes. The weather service also advises that gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
Meanwhile, the Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the greater Lake Tahoe area from 4 p.m. Sunday to 4 a.m. Wednesday. Heavy snow expected with accumulations of 1 to 2 feet at lake level and 2 to 4 feet above 7,000 feet.
Winds gusting in the lower elevations as high as 55 mph and gusts above 100 mph along Sierra ridge lines Sunday evening into early Monday morning.
Travel could be very difficult to impossible, according to the weather service, which advises that hazardous conditions will impact commute times over mountain passes and that strong winds may damage trees and power lines.
Motorists should be prepared for whiteout conditions and subzero wind chills along the foothills and ridgelines of the Sierra. The weather service advises to avoid travel if possible, as motorists could be stuck in your vehicle for many hours. If you must travel, prepare for long delays and carry an emergency kit with extra food, water and clothing. If you stay home, have a backup plan in case of power outages.
See NVroads.com for the latest road conditions.
