Winter Storm Warning
Alpine, El Dorado, Mono, Nevada and Placer counties, CA; Carson City, Douglas and Washoe counties, NV · until Sat 10:00 AM PST
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
Mono
* CHANGES...Earlier start time to account for the arrival of gusty winds late this morning.
* WHAT...Heavy wet snow. Snow accumulations of 1 to 2 feet above 7000 feet, up to 6 inches between 6000 and 7000 feet, and little to no accumulations below 6000 feet. Wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph over ridges and gusts of 55 to 70 mph for areas along Highway 395.
* WHERE...Mono County.
* WHEN...From 10 AM this morning to 10 AM PST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute. Strong winds and Sierra cement snow could cause damage to trees and power lines.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A period of strong, gusty winds is expected late this morning into the afternoon, preceding the arrival of heavy snow. A burst of heavy snow is likely with this system this evening into early Saturday morning with snow levels falling to as low as 6000 feet.
Greater Lake Tahoe Area; Greater Lake Tahoe Area
* CHANGES...None.
* WHAT...Heavy wet snow. Snow accumulations near 12 inches above 7000 feet, with up to 6 inches below 7000 feet. Snow accumulations up to 20 inches along the crest west of Lake Tahoe. Wind gusts of 70 to 90 mph over ridges and gusts of 45 to 55 mph for Truckee and Lake Tahoe communities. Wave heights 2 to 5 feet on Lake Tahoe.
* WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area.
* WHEN...From 10 AM this morning to 10 AM PST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute. Strong winds and Sierra cement snow could cause damage to trees and power lines. Strong winds and rough waves on Lake Tahoe will create hazardous conditions for small watercraft.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A burst of heavy snow is likely with this system late this afternoon into the evening with snow levels falling to as low as 5500 feet.
What to do during a Winter Storm Warning
- 1Stay off the roadsIf you must travel, carry a winter kit, keep the tank full and tell someone your route.
- 2Get ready for power outagesFlashlights, batteries, water and food for several days.
- 3Heat safelyNever use a generator, grill or camp stove indoors. Carbon monoxide can kill.
- 4Check on othersOlder neighbors and people living alone may need help.
Winter Storm Watch vs. Warning
Winter Storm Warning questions
How long does a Winter Storm Warning last?
For the time heavy snow or ice is expected, often 12 to 48 hours.
How much snow is “heavy”?
It depends on the area: what counts as heavy in the South is less than in the snowbelt. The alert text gives the expected amounts.