Carson City area weather: Valley rain and Sierra snow ahead Tuesday through Friday

UPDATE MONDAY: The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Watch for the greater Lake Tahoe area and the Sierra from Wednesday night through late Thursday. Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations 6 to 12 inches, with 1 to 3 feet above 7,000 feet possible.
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Active weather patterns will begin to move into the Sierra and Carson City region beginning Tuesday, with valley rain and mountain snow at Lake Tahoe extending into Friday and possibly beyond, according to the National Weather Service.

Significant travel impacts in the Sierra can be expected and those with travel plans should keep a close eye on the forecast over the upcoming days. The weather service hasn't predicted snow amounts as of Sunday as forecasters continue to look at weather models to determine possible accumulation amounts.

The first in a series of storms arrives on Tuesday. This will be a warmer system compared to the ones after it, with snow levels around 7,500 to 8,000 feet Tuesday afternoon, possibly falling below 7,000 feet Tuesday night. The weather service says this storm will be short in duration and move fairly quickly, limiting significant amounts of rain and snow accumulation.

Winds will pick up ahead of the system on Tuesday but nothing particularly strong with gusts through valleys generally in the 35 to 45 mph range.

The second storm will arrive Wednesday and run into Friday. This storm system will be stronger than Tuesday’s, and likely last a longer with rain and snow accumulation, according to the weather service. The storm system will be colder, with snow levels dropping to around 6,000 feet.

Forecaster say it is still too early to predict, as of Sunday, the impacts of these upcoming storm systems.

“It is still uncertain this far out," said Cassie Leahy, a weather service meteorologist in Reno. “We’re expecting precipitation and there will be travel impacts, but in terms of how extreme the impacts are and snow totals, it remains to be seen.”

The weather service advises motorists to plan for snow in the Sierra and near Lake Tahoe level and rain into western Nevada valleys. Forecasters are not ruling out chances of snow down to the valley floor. They also suggest another winter weather system may be lining up for the weekend but confidence in this remains low because it is too far out.

Updated state road conditions, including winter road closures and incidents, are available by dialing “511” or logging on to nvroads.com before driving. Drivers can also view live traffic cameras and sign up for free traffic alerts for their state road commute.

Winter Driving Tips
— Only travel in winter weather when necessary, leave enough time to safely reach your destination and plan your route to help avoid snowy/icy areas and steep hills.
— Before driving, check weather and road conditions by dialing 511 within Nevada (or 1-877-NV-ROADS outside of Nevada) or logging on to www.nvroads.com.
— Buckle up.
— Turn off cruise control.
— Avoid quick starts, stops and fast turns. Accelerate, brake and steer smoothly and gradually.
— Reduce speed. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions.
— Do not slam on brakes. Apply steady pressure on ABS-equipped vehicles and pump the brakes if necessary on non-ABS vehicles.
— Always comply with all posted chain requirements.
— If your vehicle has snow tires, install and use them between October 1 and April 30.

Leave additional space between your vehicle and other vehicles. Do not pass without good sight distance and clearance.