KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video - Storm Brings Snow to Sierra, Rain, Wind to Reno
Member Center:
More than a foot of snow was expected in some places by the end of Tuesday with winds gusting up to 50 mph in Reno, where several traffic accidents were reported on the slick roads.
Up to six inches of snow had fallen by midday at Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe and at Sugar Bowl. Up to 14 inches was expected by nightfall at Mount Rose.
Nearly a half inch of rain had fallen in Reno with as much of 2 inches in the forecast in the foothills around town.
The strongest winds were expected Tuesday night, with gusts of 120 mph to 140 mph possible over the ridge top. (AP)
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...storm information...
An intense storm system will impact much of the western U.S. Today into Wednesday. For the Sierra...western Nevada and northeast California...heavy rain combined with very strong winds may result in hazardous driving conditions...downed trees...mud or rock slides near steep Sierra terrain...and some fence or roof damage. Power outages will also be possible.
...heavy precipitation...
The heaviest precipitation will fall in a 12 hour period today from noon until midnight. Rainfall rates could reach one inch per hour at times in the Sierra while valley locations could see rates up to one-half inch per hour.
Recent dry conditions and little to no snowpack will preclude flooding of mainstream rivers. However heavy rainfall will produce rises on smaller creeks and streams and may cause minor flooding in urban settings and near steep terrain.
...total rain and snowfall amounts...
For the eastern Sierra...from Lassen County southward to Mono County...2 to 6 inches of rain are likely by late tonight. Several feet of snow are likely in the Sierra above 9000 feet.
For the lower elevations of western Nevada and eastern California east of Highway 395...one-half inch to one inch of rain is possible. Local amounts up to 2 inches are possible in foothill locations near Reno and Carson City.
...winds...
This storm will bring extremely strong wind gusts of 120 to 140 mph over Sierra ridges. Winds will gust up to 45 mph at times in the lower elevations of the eastern Sierra and Lake Tahoe Basin today...with gusts up to 65 mph at times this evening and overnight.
South to southwest wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph will also affect areas of northeast California and western Nevada today. A brief period of strong wind gusts up to 65 mph is anticipated in western NV valleys from Reno to Hawthorne this evening and tonight.
...travel impacts...
Heavy snow in the high Sierra will make travel difficult over the highest Sierra passes including Mount Rose Summit...Sonora Pass...and Tioga Pass. Several feet of snow may cause road closures on the seasonal Sierra passes. Several inches of accumulation may also affect portions of Highways 4...88 and 89 including...Carson Pass...Luther Pass...Ebbetts Pass and Monitor Pass.
Snow levels will lower to 7500 to 8000 feet Wednesday morning as precipitation begins to taper off.
Slick roads and ponding of water from moderate to heavy rain will result in hazardous driving conditions tonight.
This is also the first rain after a prolonged dry period which brings up the oil on roadway surfaces. Motorists should slow down to prevent hydroplaning and allow for plenty of stopping distance between you and the car in front of you.
Wind info
The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a high wind warning...which is in effect from 5 pm this afternoon to 5 am pdt Wednesday.
* timing: winds will increase and become strong by mid morning lasting into this afternoon. A brief decrease in the wind will occur during the rainfall this afternoon...however a few hours of stronger downslope winds are expected this evening and overnight.
* wind speeds this evening and overnight: south to southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. Stronger gusts are possible in wind prone areas.
* impacts: winds this evening will be capable of producing damage to trees...power lines and fences.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
Damage to trees...power lines and property is likely with winds of this magnitude. Unsecured objects such as lawn furniture should be secured or moved indoors before the strong winds today.
Driving will become hazardous for high profile vehicles... especially on Highway 95 near Walker Lake and on Alternate 95 near Yerington. Use extra caution and remain alert for sudden gusts or cross winds.
