Carson City area weather: Rain, wind and light snow showers in the lower valleys, snow in Sierra
UPDATE: National Weather Service forecasters says stormy activity remains possible through Monday morning, with light snowfall accumulations (1 inch or less). However, some areas that receive localized heavier snow showers may accumulate several inches, particularly across the foothills of the Carson Range, Virginia City Highlands and the Surprise Valley.
With temperatures expected to dip below freezing areawide Sunday night, slick and icy roadways are possible by the morning commute on Monday. Check road conditions at NVRoads.com before heading out and allow extra time to get to your destination Monday morning.
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A winter storm continues Sunday at Lake Tahoe and Sierra bringing gusty wind and several inches of snow. Lower valley areas may see rain and light snow showers later Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
Snow levels will gradually fall through the day in the upper elevations. Rain has transitioned to snow Sunday morning at Lake Tahoe level, forecasters said. A few rain and snow showers will likely make it Sunday into far western Nevada but forecasters say they are not expecting widespread impacts.
As of Sunday morning, there are not any watches, advisories or warnings for the lower valley areas from Reno to Carson City to Carson Valley.
Meanwhile, a winter storm warning continues through 4 a.m. Monday with heavy snow and additional snow accumulations of 1 to 5 inches around lake level, and up to 10 inches above 7,000 feet. Winds will gust as high as 40 mph on Lake Tahoe with waves up to 4 feet. Sierra ridge wind gusts of 80-100 mph are possible.
Travel could be very difficult to impossible at times. Very strong winds could cause tree damage. Hazardous boating conditions can be expected on Lake Tahoe. For the latest road conditions go to NVroads.com or call 511.
For lower elevations, southwest winds will pick up and become gusty, gusting above 45 mph at times. Strong winds will continue across the higher elevations with gusts above 70 mph in the backcountry and along the ridges, according to NWS forecasters.
The upper low will move south across the area Monday and finally begin to exit to our south and east on Tuesday. This will keep a chance of snow showers going through early Tuesday morning, especially in the Sierra where several more inches of snow may all and keep hazardous driving conditions ongoing, forecasters said. Some light accumulations are possible even at lower elevations as snow levels will be lower during this part of the storm.
A break in precipitation is expected on Wednesday with clearing skies and generally light winds. Temperatures will remain below normal through the end of the week as the departing cold air mass is quickly replaced by another cold air mass incoming from the Gulf of Alaska.
Another quick hitting cold storm is still expected to move into the Sierra from Thursday into Friday.