Winter Storm Watch in place; Rain and snow to impact travel

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Two storms will be hitting the Lake Tahoe Basin this week with the first expected Tuesday afternoon. The second one has prompted a Winter Storm Watch that is in effect from Wednesday evening through late Thursday night.

Heavy snow is possible with total snow accumulations in the second storm 6" to 12" under 7000 feet with 1' to 3' possible above 7000 feet. Snow level will stay above the lake Wednesday, dropping to 3500-4000 feet Friday morning.

Winds could gust as high as 65 mph over the higher terrain of the Sierra, 25-30 mph at lower elevations.

Rain showers in the foothills and significant snow at higher elevations will impact travel Tuesday through Friday. Motorists traveling over the passes can expect chain controls and should account for significantly increased travel time due to snow.

The snow that falls may be heavy, wet snow which could cause tree branches to break.

Update forecast from the National Weather Service in Reno:

Tuesday - Rain, mainly after 1pm. High near 50. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Tuesday Night - Rain. Low around 35. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Wednesday - Rain likely, mainly before 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 43. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Wednesday Night - A chance of rain before 10pm, then rain and snow. Low around 30. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Thursday - Rain and snow. High near 39. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

Thursday Night - Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 10pm. Low around 23. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Friday - A chance of snow, mainly before 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38.

Friday Night - A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21.

Saturday - Snow likely, mainly after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36.

Saturday Night - A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16.

Sunday - A chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 35.

Sunday Night - A chance of snow. Partly cloudy, with a low around 14.

Monday - A chance of snow. Mostly sunny, with a high near 36.

This from Caltrans:
Chain controls on Interstate 80 over Donner Summit, on U.S. Highway 50 over Echo Summit and on other Sierra mountain roadways should be anticipated Tuesday afternoon through Friday morning. Caltrans permitted and trained chain installers on Interstate 80 can be identified by a reflective sign with their bib number.

Severe weather may slow motorists, resulting in roadway congestion. Wet and slippery roadways reduce tire traction, especially at high vehicle speeds. Hydroplaning caused by vehicle speed and rain accumulations on the roadway can result in loss of driver control. Motorists are encouraged to slow down and observe winter driving tips, which can be found at http://www.dot.ca.gov/cttravel/winter.html.

Check out Caltrans' “QuickMap” for current road conditions and chain requirements at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov. For real-time traffic, download the QuickMap app on iTunes or Google Play. Motorists also can use the California Highway Information Network automated phone service by calling 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).