Winter Storm Watch in South Lake Tahoe Tuesday-Wednesday

Monday should be a beautiful Spring-like day across the region with highs reaching into the upper 60s across western Nevada and 50s in the Sierra.

There is a Winter Storm Warning in place for the Lake Tahoe Basin from 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 13 until 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 14.

Heavy snow is possible. That National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno says to expect total snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches, with up to 12 inches possible above 7000 feet along the Sierra Crest. Winds start to increase Monday with gusts up to 20-30 mph, then winds become gusty on Tuesday as the cold front pushes into the region with gusts up to 40 mph along the Sierra Front.

Additional snow fall is possible Thursday and Friday. It is still early to tell as early models are mixed but the cold front could bring significant snow.

Plan on difficult travel conditions, including during the evening commute on Wednesday. Tree branches could fall. Significant reductions in visibility are possible.

The forecast from NWS Reno:

Tonight - Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming southwest after midnight.

Monday - Sunny, with a high near 51. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Monday Night - A 40 percent chance of rain. Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday - Rain likely before noon, then rain and snow. High near 45. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tuesday Night - Rain and snow, becoming all snow after midnight. Low around 25. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Wednesday - Snow likely, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Wednesday Night - Snow likely. Cloudy, with a low around 26. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Thursday - Snow likely. Cloudy, with a high near 36.

Thursday Night - Snow. Cloudy, with a low around 21.

Friday - Snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 32.

Friday Night - A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17.

Saturday - A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35.
Saturday NightA chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17.
SundayA chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 36.