A winter storm along with an atmospheric river will impact the Carson City region and Sierra beginning Friday and through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Travel impacts are likely due to rain, snow, and gusty winds for the entire weekend in the Sierra and western Nevada. A High Wind Watch has been issued by the weather service beginning late Thursday night through Friday evening for Carson City, Carson Valley and Dayton areas as well as the Reno-Sparks area.
Gusty winds will impact the Highway 395 and Interstate 580 corridor from Susanville south to Mammoth for much of the day Friday before precipitation begins to spillover the Sierra crest. Wind gusts of 50-60 mph are possible with higher gusts in wind prone areas, according to the watch.
Strong crosswinds may create hazardous aviation turbulence as well as high profile vehicle travel restrictions. Precipitation will begin to spillover the Sierra crest late Friday and early Saturday as the cold front approaches the region.
Snow levels will also begin to drop late Friday into early Saturday allowing accumulations down to near 4,500 to 5,000 feet.
A colder system is expected for Sunday and Monday with the potential for additional snow in the Sierra and snow across western Nevada as well, but uncertainty remains high with the details for now. Check out the discussion here for more forecaster insights.