Cold, snow showers and wind headed for Lake Tahoe and Sierra

A strong cold front will move through the Sierra and Western Nevada beginning Sunday night bringing cold weather and periods of snow showers to Lake Tahoe through Monday, the National Weather Service reports.

Periods of snow are possible Sunday night with snow showers likely for the Lake Tahoe area through Monday and into Tuesday morning. Temperatures are expected to significantly drop with the system, with a forecast high at South Lake Tahoe on Monday and Tuesday of around 27 degrees, with lows 16 to 19 degrees.

Ahead of the front, winds will increase with gusts of 35 to 45 mph potentially causing travel restrictions for high profile vehicles and, potentially, some blowing dust east of Highway 395. A Lake Wind Advisory has been issued through 5 a.m. Monday.

Bursts of snow are likely Monday afternoon and evening along and behind the cold front with a light accumulation possible, the weather service reports. The snowfall could cause slick roads, mainly over Sierra and northeast California passes.

This front will be similar to the system that moved through the area this past Sunday and Monday, but not quite as potent. A few showers will linger in the area through Tuesday with significantly cooler temperatures Monday and Tuesday. Spring gardens should be covered with widespread sub-freezing overnight lows, according to the weather service.