Winter storm intensifies Tuesday in western Nevada, journey impacts anticipated within the Sierra

A serious winter storm is impacting the area, with the primary interval of heavy snowfall persevering with by way of Monday night and a stronger second spherical arriving Tuesday. Feet of snow are anticipated throughout the Sierra, resulting in widespread journey disruptions by way of Wednesday. Yet one other quick-moving storm could carry further snow possibilities Thursday in any respect elevations as an lively winter sample settles in.

Snow ranges will proceed fluctuating Monday night, with the heaviest Sierra snowfall progressively tapering to lighter showers round midnight. Western Nevada foothills above 5,500 toes are almost certainly to see accumulating snow Monday, whereas valley flooring expertise intervals of rain and snow mixing. Light accumulations are potential Monday night, particularly north of I-80.

Conditions deteriorate once more early Tuesday morning as the subsequent wave of snow arrives between 4 and seven a.m. Tuesday and continues by way of early Wednesday morning. Tuesday’s storm might be colder, bringing lighter, fluffier snow as snow ranges crash to all valley flooring. Strong winds mixed with falling snow will create intervals of blowing snow and whiteout situations, particularly throughout Sierra passes.

By Wednesday morning, storm totals within the Sierra might be substantial. The Tahoe Basin is predicted to obtain 2 to three toes of snow, with the best totals alongside the west shore and in Alpine County. Above 7,000 toes, 3 to five toes of snow is feasible. In Mono County, 1 to three toes is predicted alongside and west of US-395, with 3 to five toes alongside the best elevations of the Sierra crest. Chalfant Valley might even see 2 to six inches. In northeast California, Surprise Valley is forecast to select up 2 to six inches, 6 to 12 inches west of US-395, localized totals as much as 2 toes west of Highway 89, and 4 to eight inches for valley communities together with Susanville and Doyle.

Western Nevada will see lighter totals however impactful situations, significantly for journey. Monday night could carry minor accumulations, usually 1 inch or much less under 5500 toes and 1 to three inches above that elevation. The heaviest snow for decrease elevations is predicted Tuesday by way of Wednesday morning. At least 4 inches is feasible across the Reno-Carson metro areas and northwest Nevada, with 6 to 12 inches or extra in foothills above 5,000 toes. West-central Nevada valleys might see as much as 3 inches, with round 6 inches in increased terrain. The biggest journey impacts are anticipated throughout the Tuesday night and Wednesday morning commutes.

Winds might be a significant factor with this storm. Sierra ridge gusts are more likely to exceed 100 mph, with 40 to 60 mph gusts widespread in wind-prone areas. Western Nevada might see gusts as much as 45 mph, with localized gusts above 50 mph. These winds, mixed with lighter snow Tuesday, will create blowing snow and sharply diminished visibility at instances.

Non-emergency journey is strongly discouraged, particularly within the Sierra, the place heavy snowfall charges and whiteout situations are probably by way of early Wednesday morning. Motorists ought to test highway situations earlier than touring by calling 5-1-1 or checking CalTrans and NDOT. If journey is unavoidable, hold a winter emergency equipment in your automobile and plan for important delays, potential chain controls, and highway closures. Allow further time for the Tuesday and Wednesday morning commutes.

By Wednesday afternoon, snow showers will linger within the Sierra whereas western Nevada begins to see gradual clearing. The break might be transient. Another system is predicted to reach Thursday into early Friday with further snow possibilities. Friday and Saturday might be colder however could supply a brief lull earlier than one other potential storm approaches subsequent weekend, signaling a extra persistent winter sample forward.