Carson City weather: Storm to impact holiday travel with feet of snow in Sierra, inches to valley floor

A winter storm expected to bring feet of snow to the Sierra and anywhere from 1 to 6 inches to the valley floors during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period is headed our way, with snow expected to arrive late Tuesday afternoon and last through through Thanksgiving, according to the National Weather Service.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 4 p.m. Tuesday to 4 p.m. Thursday for the Greater Lake Tahoe area and 7 p.m. Tuesday to 7 p.m. Thursday for Mono County.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 4 p.m. Tuesday to 4 p.m. Wednesday for the Greater Reno, Carson City and Carson Valley areas and 1 p.m. Tuesday to 4 p.m. Wednesday for Surprise Valley California, Northern Washoe County.

Travel could be very difficult as snow will accumulate at all elevations. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 5 inches, with locally higher totals expected south of US 50 due to possible lake-effect off Lake Tahoe Wednesday.

For Surprise Valley and Northern Washoe County, 2 to 6 inches of snowfall is possible, with the highest totals expected north of Gerlach. Check the latest road conditions with Caltrans and NDOT or call 511.

For the Sierra, Heavy snow is expected. Lengthy travel delays are likely, and it could take 2-3 times longer to reach your destination. Travel could be very difficult to impossible.

Total snow accumulations in the Tahoe Area of 8 to 18 inches, except 1 to 2 feet expected above 7,000 feet are expected. In Mono County, 5 to 10 inches, except 10 to 24 inches west of US 395. Localized totals near 3 feet possible in both areas. Check the latest road conditions with Caltrans and NDOT or call 511.

Check Road Conditions:
— Call NDOT: 1-877-NV-ROADS or NVroads.com; CalTrans: 1-800-427-ROAD. NDOT encourages motorists to to sign up for e-mail and text alerts for their own frequently-traveled state routes.

The 511 Nevada Travel Info service allows motorists to dial 511 toll-free, 24 hours a day or log onto nvroads.com for automated state road conditions, on-line traffic cameras, roadway weather information, scheduled event road closures, construction updates and more.

Out-of-state callers can dial 1-877-NV-ROADS to receive the same information. With Nevada law prohibiting use of handheld devices while behind the wheel, NDOT asks motorists to dial or log on before driving.

The system’s “MY511NV” feature allows drivers to sign up to receive text or e-mail messages regarding roadway chain requirements, weather, incidents, events and construction on their most-traveled routes.

To sign up, users simply log onto nvroads.com here, select the “My511 NV” link and register to receive customized reports for state roads of their choice. The alerts are free, excluding text message fees imposed by individual phone carriers.

As winter weather arrives in northern Nevada, the Nevada Department of Transportation is prepared to help keep winter roads clear.

NDOT begins annual winter preparations in August by readying more than 80 snow plows and other pieces of snow and ice equipment for use in snow removal across northwestern Nevada.

Nearly 33,000 cubic yards of salt and sand and 260,000 gallons of salt brine have been stockpiled in the area, ready to be spread on winter roads for increased traction and safety. The sand is combined with salt and wetted with brine to create more dense sand that keeps roads ice-free at lower temperatures and will not as easily bounce off roadway surfaces. NDOT sand trucks calibrate the amount of salt and sand, spreading the mixture on roadways with extreme precision and efficiency.

“We also spray a liquid brine on the roads prior to specific types of storms,” NDOT District Engineer Mike Fuess explained. “The brine is a water solution of 23% salt that we produce in-house at a substantial cost savings. Sprayed in certain conditions before storms, the brine helps reduce how quickly the ice forms and sticks to the road.”

NDOT has approximately 150 permanent maintenance staff in northwestern Nevada. As storms move in, maintenance personnel closely monitor professional meteorological forecasts detailing wind, rain, snow, ice and other weather on state roads. Staff also utilize more than 30 Road Weather Information System meteorological stations located along northwestern Nevada roadways to provide detailed reports of current air and pavement temperature, as well as any moisture. The updated weather readings help pinpoint precise sections of roads needing brine, salt and sand or snow removal.

During major winter storms, crews work in 12-hour shifts, rotating personnel to provide 24 hour-a-day snow removal.

On average, more than 2,000 crashes occur statewide every year due to unsafe driving in snow, ice and other wet conditions, such as driving too fast for conditions, following too closely, or failing to maintain a lane and overcorrecting. In winter weather, motorists are reminded to drive slowly for conditions and leave space between their vehicle and others. Wearing a seat belt and focusing on the road are other important driving tips for any type of weather.

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 safety tips are available at nevadadot.com/winter.

WINTER DRIVING TIPS
— Remove snow and ice from all vehicle windows, mirrors and lights prior to driving

— Only travel in winter weather when absolutely necessary, and leave early to provide enough time to safely reach your destination

— Slow down on winter roads, speed limits are based on road and weather conditions

— Keep a safe distance from other vehicles

— Watch carefully for snow removal equipment

— Use extra caution on bridges and ramps, as they may be icy

Check before you go:
Tires, brakes, lights, battery, wipers, defroster, heater and vehicle fluid Levels

Carry with you:
Tire chains, flashlight, ice scraper, snow shovel, First Aid supplies, extra clothes and gloves, blanket, flares, non-perishable food and water.