Rain has turned to snow tonight as a strong winter storm continues to bring a mix of precipitation to the Carson City area and heavy snow at Lake Tahoe.
A winter weather advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. Monday morning for the Carson City region, while a winter storm warning continues at Lake Tahoe until 4 p.m., according to the National Weather Service in Reno.
Carson City and Carson Valley regions can expect about 2 to 4 inches of snow overnight, while Tahoe is expected to receive several more feet, especially in areas above 7,000 feet.
Earlier Sunday wind and rain caused a number of problems, including downed trees and minor flooding.
At 4:25 p.m., a large tree crashed into two vehicles on Nelson Lane near Bunch Way in Carson City. Tree limbs are reportedly also resting on homes, according to police dispatch. Meanwhile high winds that whipped through the area earlier this afternoon brought down another large tree in the area of Sherman Lane.
Water ponding has been reported throughout town, both the east and west sides, and around Highway 50 near the old Scolari's. Roof leaks have even been reported at the Carson City Sheriff's Office at 911 Musser Street.
Back-to-back weather systems moving into the Carson City area today has prompted the National Weather Service in Reno to issue a winter weather advisory through 3 a.m. Monday morning.
UPDATE 4 p.m.: Mount Rose Highway continues to remain closed because of weather conditions. And there is a wind advisory for the Carson City region. Go to Carsonweather.com for the latest.
Carson City Public Works crews are prepared for the onslaught should today's storm produce an anticipated one inch of rain to the valley floors with the possibility of at least 2 inches to the foothills.
Today's storm could create a threat of urban and small stream flooding in the foothills and valleys, with rainfall at times below 7,500 feet, and several feet of snow at higher elevations, according to the weather service. Rain should continue through the end of the afternoon then changing to snow showers.
Minor flooding is possible along creeks and drainages, especially the Eagle Valley Creek on the east side of Carson City. Minor urban flooding may also occur in poor drainage areas.
Carson City residents who live in low-lying areas may experience water build-up and ponding. The city is providing sand bags at two locations: The Sandbag Filling Station at the Carson City Corporate Yard, 3303 Butti Way, off of Fifth Street and at the Carson Middle School parking lot on King Street.
The series of storms began on Friday with about 5.5 inches of snow falling in Carson City. The melt-off of the snow began Saturday morning and caused some problems, including water damage at Carson Middle School.
Rain and snow showers should continue through Wednesday. It appears that the greatest flood threat — where the heaviest and warmest precipitation will fall — will remain south of Mono County, according to the weather service.
There will be a break in the heavy precipitation on Thursday and Friday, however the weather service expects more precipitation beginning Christmas Day and extending through Christmas weekend.
Precipitation amounts and snow levels will need to be monitored closely through the storms as any additional heavy rain over saturated soils could result in flooding. Anyone with interests near rivers or creeks should monitor this developing situation and take appropriate actions, the weather service advises. Click here for the latest on local river and water flow stages in the Carson City area.
Meanwhile, a winter storm warning remains in effect until 4 p.m. Monday for South Lake Tahoe, Incline Village and Truckee. Snow accumulations through Monday could be 1 to 3 feet at lake level, with 4 to 8 feet expected above 7,000 feet.
For road and travel information, click here. For Statewide Road Conditions by telephone call:
511 within Nevada, or 877-NV-ROADS (877-687-6237) outside Nevada. For updated weather alerts for the Carson City region, go to Carsonweather.com.