The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm advisory for the California-Nevada line, predicting that it could bring more than a foot of snow to the upper elevations of the Sierra. The storm is expected to be accompanied by winds gusting up to 100 mph over ridgetops. The advisories were set to be in effect from 4 p.m. Saturday through 4 a.m. Sunday, encompassing the Lake Tahoe area near Reno to south of Yosemite National Park, including Mammoth Lakes.
Forecasters expect three to 8 inches of snow above elevations of 6,500 feet and as much as 14 inches above 8,000 feet. The snowfall rates were projected to reach 1 to 2 inches per hour in heavier bands. In addition to hazardous driving conditions, strong winds could result in tree damage, blowing snow, and hazardous boating conditions on Lake Tahoe. The storm is expected to bring hazardous conditions across the region, prompting the National Weather Service to issue advisories and warnings to residents and tourists in the area.
The coming winter storm intersects with a period of early snowfall in the Sierra Nevada mountains which have already been partially buried in snow. As a result of the advisories, residents and travelers are encouraged to take the necessary precautions and to be aware of road closures and travel delays.
