While forecasters say the precipitation amounts with the onslaught of the approaching winter storm won’t bring historic amounts of moisture, the high winds ahead of the system may prove to be for the record books.
Carson City and Western Nevada remains under a High Wind Warning through 4 a.m. Friday morning. The winds are expected to increase this morning, with the strongest early this afternoon, lowering some late in the afternoon but will remain gusty overnight, according to the National Weather Service.
Thus far this morning, winds gusts have been reported to be more than 100 mph over the Sierra crest at Slide Mountain, according to the weather service. Around Carson City, winds will be out of the south from 25 to 45 mph with gusts to 70 mph and 90 mph in wind prone areas.
If you plan on traveling today be prepared for the conditions, especially along Highway 395 and in the Sierra valley. High winds may damage power lines, trees, fences and roofs. Tie down the lawn furniture, secure the holiday decorations and bring in the small dogs.
Precipitation wise for the Carson City, Carson Valley and Dayton areas, rain will begin this afternoon, and become heavy later tonight and overnight. Snow levels may come down to 5,000 feet with this storm. At this time, there are not any advisories or warnings associated with precipitation around the Carson City region. It will continue to rain with possible snow showers on Friday tapering a bit in the evening. There’s a slight chance of rain early Saturday.
As for Sierra snow, Lake Tahoe and the Sierra is under a Winter Storm Warning through 1 p.m. Friday. Snow is expected to begin falling this afternoon beginning with heavy rain turning to snow with snow levels dropping tonight to around 5,000 feet. The weather service says the Sierra can get 1 to 2 feet of snow above 7,000 feet, with higher amounts along the Sierra Crest. Below 7,000 feet, which means the Lake Tahoe Basin, there could be anywhere from 7 to 14 inches of snow, with locally up to 20 inches west of Highway 89.
Wind and heavy snow will lower visibility below a mile with whiteout conditions over the Sierra passes. Significant travel delays are likely over the Sierra passes tonight into Friday morning, according to the weather service.