A blanket of snow welcomed Carson City motorists, walkers and last minute shoppers, on this eve of a White Christmas.
A fast moving winter storm continues to drop snow on the valley floors this morning, with anywhere from 4 to 5 inches thus far by this afternoon, with up to 9 possible by the time the storm leaves. A Winter Weather Advisory for Carson City, Carson Valley, Dayton and Reno areas runs through 10 tonight.
Of course the story is much different along the Sierra where the storm could drop anywhere from a foot to 20 inches of snow. There is a Winter Storm Warning for Lake Tahoe and the Sierra through 10 tonight. Motorists are urged not to drive or attempt to go over the passes.
If you are out doing your final round of Christmas shopping, you can expect ice and snow packed roads with chain controls possible. Blowing snow may make for unpredictable low visibility situations. Temperatures are going to remain very cold through the weekend so the roads will likely remain slick, especially in neighborhoods where plows don’t usually get to.
A number of spinouts and fender benders have been reported from the north to south ends of Carson City. Even the light snowfall can cause major traffic delays, especially during periods of high traffic volume because of the holiday travel. Be sure to allow extra time to reach your destination. Snow plow drivers are out in full force.
Leave extra space in between vehicles since it takes longer to stop on slick roadways and it might be a good idea to wait until Christmas morning to travel as roads are likely to be better and the volume of traffic less stressful.
Due to inclement weather, all Western Nevada College campuses will be closed today, Thursday, Dec. 24. Normal hours of operation will resume Monday, Dec. 28. Registration continues online at my.wnc.edu.