Carson City area weather: Snow expected late Wednesday into Thursday prompts storm watch
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Mon, 12/06/2021 - 5:26pm
An approaching storm that is expected to bring 1 to 3 inches of snow to the valley floors and around a foot in the Sierra beginning late Wednesday night into Thursday has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Winter Storm watch for the region.
Monday's light shower activity around the capital city will linger overnight and into Tuesday, bringing some snow to the Sierra overnight, anywhere between 1 to 4 inches above 7,500 feet, with a brief break before the larger system moves in late Wednesday, according NWS forecasters.
The winter storm watch area includes the greater Reno, Sparks, Carson City and Douglas County areas, as well as the Lake Tahoe Basin, Washoe and Lyon counties, the western Nevada Basin and Range including Pyramid Lake, according to the weather service.
Snow totals will be around 1 to 3 inch for lower valleys with 3 to 6 inches above 5,000 feet. Local amounts up to 8 inches will be possible, especially where lake-effect bands set up, according to the weather service. Wind gusts up to 40 mph is also possible.
At Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra, NWS forecasters say heavy snow is possible with total snow accumulations of 3 to 10 inches, except 8 to 13 inches above 7,000 feet possible. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph.
The weather service warns that travel could be very difficult and that hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commutes.
Snow levels begin between around 6,500 feet Wednesday evening before rapidly falling to valley floors overnight into Thursday morning. Additionally, lake-effect snow bands are also possible southeast of Pyramid Lake Thursday evening as very cold air rides over the relatively warm lake surfaces, according to the weather service.
The weather service advises now is the time to prepare an emergency kit for your home and car. If traveling consider alternate plans, remember to carry tire chains, extra food, water and clothing. Once the storm arrives, travel may be difficult or impossible for an extended period of time.
Check the latest forecast discussion here and check road conditions with Caltrans and NDOT. For Carson City area updates see CarsonWeather.com.
