Wind warnings up through Monday morning in the Lake Tahoe Basin and Sierra

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If the reading is verified, the wind gust of 209 mph recorded at Kirkwood just before 8:00 a.m. Sunday is potentially be a new California state record.

The winds throughout the Sierra have closed not only Kirkwood Mountain Resort operations for the day but also Sierra-at-Tahoe. Some lifts are on wind hold or closed at Heavenly Mountain Resort, Squaw Alpine, Northstar, Mt. Rose and others.

A Wind Advisory is in effect until Monday morning at 4:00 a.m. The National Weather Service (NWS) says there will be increased wind speeds, especially for Sierra ridges. The wind will be from the northeast 20-30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Sierra ridge winds up to 150 mph or more.

Stay off Lake Tahoe, Donner and Fallen Leaf Lake as high waves are expected. On Tahoe, expect 5 to 6-foot waves especially along the western shores of the lake.
"These high waves are life-threatening for anyone who ventures out onto the water today in a small boat," said NWS Reno.

Multiple impacts due to winds through early Monday. Hazardous conditions for air travel and area lakes, including turbulence, blowing dust, and choppy waters. For the Sierra, including the Tahoe Basin and Mammoth areas, unusually strong east
winds may result in downed trees and power lines. Light snow will bring minor impacts to the Sierra passes through midday today.