Unsettled weather will continue to make its way into the Sierra and Carson City region with high winds moving into the area tonight, according to the National Weather Service. A Wind Advisory is in effect for the Carson City region from 7 tonight until 4 a.m. Friday.
Meanwhile, a Winter Weather Advisory for Lake Tahoe and the Sierra has been issued for this afternoon through Friday morning.
For Carson City, Carson Valley and Dayton areas, winds will increase this evening with the strongest expected between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. The winds will be from the southwest, 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph and gusts to 65 mph in wind prone areas including those around foothills in Carson City and Reno and through the Washoe Valley.
Travel restrictions for high profile vehicles are likely along Interstate 580 and Highway 395 between Reno and Carson City tonight.
The weather service advises that now is a good time to secure the loose outdoor furniture and trash cans before the winds pick up. It’s also a good idea to bring in the small pets, have a flashlight with batteries, candles and charge up the smart phones in the event of a power outage.
For Carson City, Carson Valley and Dayton areas, there’s a chance of rain between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., then a slight chance of rain and snow showers after 4 a.m. Friday. Little or no snow accumulation expected. Rain is likely on Saturday. Sunny skies should return Sunday with a chance of rain on Monday, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.
Snow is in the forecast for Lake Tahoe and the Sierra through the weekend and into the week ahead, with snow totals in the Sierra anywhere from 2 feet to many feet by Tuesday, said Dawn Johnson, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Reno. There may be a break in the pattern Wednesday, with more storms lined up after.
Go here for the weather service forecast discussion.