Thunderstorms have begun to develop today around the Sierra that may head into the Carson City and Carson Valley areas by this afternoon, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Special Weather Statement.
At around 11 a.m. the National Weather Service’s Doppler radar was tracking a series of developing showers near Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake, Boca, Prosser and Stampede reservoirs. Many of these showers will continue to develop into thunderstorms. Storm motions will be west to east at about 10 mph. Dime size hail and winds in excess of 40 mph are possible with some of the stronger storm cells into this afternoon.
Impacted areas for storms include: Carson City, South Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Kings Beach, Stampede Reservoir, Boca Reservoir, Prosser Creek Reservoir, Independence Lake, Tahoe City, Incline Village, Glenbrook, Bliss State Park, Emerald Bay, Northstar, Meyers, Sugar Pine Point, Crystal Bay, Zephyr Cove and Round Hill.
If on or near a lake get out of the water and move indoors or inside a vehicle when you hear thunder, the weather service advises. Don’t be caught on the water in a thunderstorm. Strong wind gusts and lightning pose an immediate danger to boaters. Gusty winds will cause a rapid increase in wave heights that may capsize small boats.
Heavy rainfall will likely accompany these storms. Expect ponding of water on roadways. In areas of steep terrain, minor rock slides are possible. Drivers should slow down and turn on their headlights if encountering heavy rains.