A winter storm is moving into the region, bringing snow and slow going travel through the Sierra, with snow spillover expected later today around Carson City with 1 to 4 inches of snow possible, according to the National Weather Service.
Motorists traveling over the Sierra can expect delays and chain restrictions. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Lake Tahoe and the Sierra now through Saturday morning. Up to 2 feet of snow is possible above 7,000 feet.
While the snow may have eased momentarily in many areas east of the Sierra crest as of noon Friday, the National Weather Service expects the most intense snowfall and worst road conditions will be from mid-afternoon through much of Friday night.
Meanwhile Reno, Carson City, Carson Valley and Dayton areas, the area is under a Winter Weather Advisory until Saturday morning. Timing wise, rain and snow is expected to begin this afternoon and then change to snow early in the evening.
Accumulation wide, 1 to 4 inches of snow is expected below 5,000 feet with 3 to 6 inches above 5,000 feet. Up to 2 inches is expected north of Highway 50 along the valley floors with 1 to 3 inches above 5,000 feet, according to the weather service.
Winds will continue to pick up ahead of the storm’s arrival with ridge wind gusts peaking later today. Breezy conditions are expected ahead of the rain and snow for the Carson City and Carson Valley areas.
The storm will create icy and snow covered roads with periods of poor visibility. Motorists can expect hazardous conditions for travel on Highway 50, Highway 395 and Interstates 580 and 80.
Cold, dry and brisk conditions are anticipated for Christmas Day and Monday. There will be a gradual warming trend through next week and not a threat of storms, according to the weather service.
Check the latest forecast at weather.gov/Reno and check road conditions with Caltrans and NDOT.
For the latest weather discussion go here. For weather updates for Carson City, see CarsonWeather.com.