Lake Tahoe and the Sierra should see snow and winds this weekend

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After several days of warmth, a cold front will be ushering in a pattern shift for this weekend with drops in temperatures by almost 20 degrees. Expect increasing southwest winds Friday into Saturday with the strongest winds expected to be near and north of US-50 where gusts of 35 to 45 mph are likely. Wind prone locations along the US-395 corridor could potentially see gusts to 50 mph, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

NWS forecasts snow will begin moving into the Sierra and northeast California by daybreak Saturday morning. While accumulating snow is likely in the mountains, how much will stick to roadways is the question. There is plenty of remnant heat in the ground, which could keep roads mainly wet, outside of the higher Sierra passes, especially given the fact most snow will fall during daylight hours. Light snow showers may linger into Sunday but will be much more spotty in nature.

The NWS Reno forecast for South Lake Tahoe:

Saturday - Snow likely, mainly before 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Saturday Night - A 40 percent chance of snow, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. South wind 5 to 10 mph. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Sunday - A 20 percent chance of snow before 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Calm wind.

Sunday Night - A 20 percent chance of snow after 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 23.