Carson City area weather Tuesday update: 1 to 6 inches of snow expected for valley floors
Snow will return to Carson City and the valley floors Tuesday with the heaviest expected from mid-morning through the afternoon that will impact road travel in the region, according to the National Weather Service.
Total snow accumulations anticipated will be 1 to 3 inches for lower valleys around Reno-Sparks, 3 to 6 inches for the Carson City and Carson Valley areas, and 5 to 10 inches for foothill areas above 5,000 feet and around Virginia City, according to the weather service, which has extended its winter weather advisory until 10 a.m. Wednesday for the lower valley regions.
Forecasters advise travel could be very difficult as the snow begins to fall and stick along roadways. The hazardous conditions are expected to impact peak commute times Tuesday through Wednesday morning.
Even light snowfall causes major travel delays, especially during periods of high traffic volume. Forecasters advise allow extra time to reach your destination. Leave extra space between vehicles since it takes longer to stop on slick roadways.
Meanwhile, a winter storm warning is in effect until 10 a.m. Wednesday for the Sierra and greater Lake Tahoe area. Heavy snow is anticipate with additional snow accumulations of 8 to 18 inches, except 15 to 30 inches above 7,000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 65 mph over higher elevations.
The weather service advises that the heaviest snowfall rates are expected from Tuesday morning through late afternoon with travel impacts difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions will impact all peak commute times through Wednesday morning.
If traveling in the Sierra, forecasters advise to be prepared for whiteout conditions and sub-zero wind chills along ridgelines and near the mountain passes. Avoid travel if possible, you 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.
The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 511 or at NVRoads.com.
Check back for updates.