High winds around Carson City and valley regions will be followed by rain and snow showers that could cause problems for Thursday’s morning commute, according to the National Weather Service.
The winter storm system will move through the Sierra and western Nevada late Wednesday night and early Thursday. Snow levels will fall late Wednesday night, reaching the lowest valley floors of far western Nevada before daybreak Thursday.
A High Wind Warning for Carson City, Carson Valley and Reno areas is in effect through Wednesday night.
While the heaviest accumulations will happen along and west of Highway 89 in the Lake Tahoe Basin and west of Highway 395 in Mono County, even light accumulations are possible down to the valley floors of western Nevada, according to the weather service.
A Winter Storm Warning for the Lake Tahoe Basin and much of the Sierra is in effect through noon Thursday.
Travel restrictions are likely through the Sierra and northeast California, but commuters in the lower valleys of western Nevada should expect some snow accumulations in the Reno, Carson City and Minden areas.
Plan extra time for the morning commute as less than an inch of snow, or even wet roads, can create hazardous driving conditions. Take it slow in ice and snow.
If traveling, check the road conditions along your route. Before driving contact NDOT at 877-NV-ROADS or Caltrans at 800-427-7623. Go to NVRoads.com for the latest conditions.
As far as snow amounts, Carson City, Carson Valley, Reno and areas around Dayton could receive up to 1 to 2 inches of snow. In the Sierra, 12-20 inches of snow is expected above 7,000 feet, 4 to 10 inches in the Lake Tahoe Basin below 7,000 feet, 2-5 inches in the Virginia City area, and 2-4 inches in Mono County east of Highway 395.