Incoming storm upgraded to Winter Weather Advisory

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The incoming storm on Christmas Day has been upgraded by the National Weather Service (NWS) to a Winter Weathet Advisory. It starts on Friday at 4:00 p.m. and is in effect until 10:00 a.m. Saturday.

Heavy snow is possible. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 8 inches, except 1 foot or more above 7000 feet possible. Exposed Sierra ridge winds could gust to 100 mph or higher.

Travel could be very difficult. Peak snowfall rates expected Friday evening into Saturday morning. Hazardous and slow travel across the Sierra expected during this time.

After a brief break, another storm is forecasted to arrive Sunday and impact travel into Monday. This second, colder system will take the form of a cut off low dropping down the California coast with snow reaching the Sierra from Tahoe southward to Mammoth Lakes late Sunday evening or very early Monday morning. Accumulation projections are decent for the Sierra Crest, perhaps another 12 inches, with generally less than 2 inches across western Nevada unless a strong snow band develops. At this time it looks like South Lake Tahoe could see less than an inch of snow during the day Sunday and 1-3" Sunday night.

Even light snowfall causes major travel delays, especially during periods of high traffic volume. Be sure to allow extra time to reach your destination. Leave extra space between vehicles since it takes longer to stop on slick roadways.