be prepared

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An active winter weather pattern will prevail through much of next week as a series of progressively stronger winter storms push through the Sierra and western Nevada. A significant winter storm is looking increasingly likely by late Tuesday through at least Thursday according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno. Additional waves of moderate to heavy snowfall are possible through next weekend.

Sunday night and Monday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With nice weather, a relaxing of some travel restrictions, and some snow on the ground, the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend is expected to be a busy one in the Sierra.

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and California State Parks have joined together in an outreach campaign to provide simple actions to increase the enjoyment of the outdoors experience. Staying local, planning ahead, social distancing guidelines, not leaving trash and following the posted rules are just some of the ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe and the Sierra.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be a few chances for precipitation as we wrap up 2020 and head into 2021, but at this point in time the systems on the horizon aren't looking like big snow makers.

As one system leaves Monday afternoon there will be a break in snow/rain activity on Tuesday, the next weather system is projected to arrive Wednesday evening and exit quickly by Thursday morning. While the more likely scenario favors light
snow (up to 2") for the Sierra and northeast California/far northwest Nevada it could cause some morning commute issues.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Elementary students in Douglas County are receiving free Child Safety ID kits from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO). These kits are a helpful resource for parent nd law enforcement to identify a child in case of an emergency.

The school district office will be distributing the kits where were made possible by a generous donation from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Advisory Council.

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Of the 133,251 registered voters in El Dorado County, 30,886, or 23 percent, have already turned in their ballots. The elections department does not have data from the 2016 election at the same point in time. That election had 97,024 or 83.31 percent of the 116,459 registered that year, turn in ballots by election day.

As of October 15:

Ballots returned by mail - 14,966
​Ballots returned in a drop box - 15,920

Of those ballots, 28,996 have had signatures verified against reference signature and the balance of 1,890 are awaiting verification.

Christmas tree permits for National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin will be available for purchase online through Recreation.gov beginning November 16, 2020. Details about designated cutting areas, dates and types of trees that may be cut can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/ltbmu.

The Fork Fire west of Lake Tahoe remains at 1,752 acres and is now 34 percent contained. Low pressure off the coast will advance toward the region, bringing an increase in afternoon southwest winds across ridge tops and aligned drainages. Dry conditions will persist with slight cooling.

The front will pass over the area on Friday, driving gusty southwest and west winds with cooler temperatures and higher humidity. Little to no precipitation is expected.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has changed their previous Fire Weather Watch to a Red Flag Warning for Tuesday, September 8 from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

They have also issued a Special Weather Statement and a Lake Wind Advisory for Tuesday from 3:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Red Flag Warning

This warning is in place due to gusty winds and low humidity for the Lake Tahoe Basin, Western Lassen, Eastern Plumas, Eastern Sierrs, and Eastern Nevada Counites. Fire Zone 271 and Fire Zone 272.

Through a partnership between Carson Capitols Lacrosse and the High Sierra Lacrosse League, a youth clinic will be held on August 29, 9 a.m. at the John L. Harvey Field at Western Nevada College.

Location

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Dr. James Tarwater will be bringing his 54-year career in education to a close this month as he passes the torch to the new Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) superintendent June 30.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif - The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Wind Advisory for the Lake Tahoe area as well as the Reno, Carson City and Minden area for Sunday, May 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Winds are expected from the southwest at 20-30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

After the winds, the real fun starts with snow and rain in the four-day forecast for South Lake Tahoe.

From NWS Reno:

Today - Partly sunny, with a high near 68. Light southwest wind increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

At the request of Alpine County in California, all Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest lands within the boundaries of the county will be temporarily closed to overnight camping starting on Saturday, April 25, 2020.

“We recognize that this overnight camping restriction comes at a time when many are seeking respite in natural areas,” said Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger. “However, this temporary closure is to support state, county, and local authorities in controlling COVID-19 pandemic.”

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - People at Regan Beach in South Lake Tahoe heard a man's calls for help about 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, and their call to 911 brought out multiple agencies.

The 36-year-old man from Richmond, California had been kayaking about 400-500 yards offshore when his kayak starting taking on water through a hole.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Hospital is prepared to handle a surge in COVID-19 patients with an extra 150 beds identified for use if needed, and if that supply is used, more space is ready to be used through the help of community partners.

This was from Dr. Clint Purvance, CEO & president of Barton Health who participated in a virtual Town Hall meeting on Friday, hosted by the Tahoe Chamber.

CARSON CITY, Nev. - The Nevada Department of Transportation is launching “Walk and Roll Wednesdays” to give socially-distanced Nevada families the opportunity for healthy and fun outdoor activity.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Over 34 million Americans have caught the flu this year with over 20,000 deaths recorded, but its the coronavirus COVID-19 that is getting all the headlines.

There are no current reported cases of COVID-19 in South Lake Tahoe/El Dorado County, Alpine County or Douglas County, but local agencies want to be prepared, just in case people come down with the virus.

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - El Dorado County health officials and agency partners are closely monitoring the outbreak of novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) that originated in China. As of today, there are no known cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County.

“It’s important to keep in mind that while the situation is evolving, the risk throughout the U.S. is currently low,” said El Dorado County Health Officer, Dr. Nancy Williams.

There have been multiple vehicle spinouts on I80, forcing its closure tonight between Colfax and the Nevada state line. Highway 20 also is closed at Nevada City due to the spinouts. Motorists on I-80 should be prepared for long delays, according to Caltrans.

It is not snowing but ice is a concern.

Chain controls as of 8:45 p.m. Friday:

US 50
Chains Required, All Vehicles Except 4-Wheel Drive with Snow Tires - on US-50 from mile post 59.8 in El Dorado County to mile post 70.6 in El Dorado County in California.

I80

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For the past ten years, the community has come to know David Mullen and his Exquisite Grill through special events calling for roasted pig and barbeque. Now, the popular caterer is operating out of the Tahoe Seasons Resort in South Lake Tahoe with an expanded menu.

Mullen has been providing room service at the resort along with box lunches and a robust menu for six months, and now, after a busy summer, he is now focusing on specialty nights at the Fireside Bar located in the newly remodeled lobby along with a regular menu.

Due to severe wind concerns, PG&E has notified 209,000 customers in 15 counties they may have to proactively turn off power for safety reasons in Northern California beginning late Wednesday evening. The PG&E website has been down, but when working updated information can be found here - http://pge.com/pspsupdates.

The list of affected communities:

AMADOR (13,131 customers)
Amador City, Fiddletown, Jackson, Martell, Pine Grove, Pioneer, Plymouth, River Pines, Sutter Creek, Volcano

BUTTE (23,452 customers)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Red Flag Warning for the greater Lake Tahoe area from 11:00 a.m. to Sunday to 11:00 a.m. Monday and a Lake Wind Advisory until 5:00 p.m. Monday.

A strong cold front will bring southwest to west winds of 15 to 30 mph with gusts 35 to 45 mph beginning Sunday morning and lasting into Monday. The humidity with this front is low - minimum 8 to 18 percent Sunday afternoon, with poor recovery tonight. Minimum 15 to 25 percent early Monday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Lake Wind Advisory to be in effect from noon Tuesday to 11:00 p.m. Thursday on Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake, Fallen Leaf Lake and others in the Sierra Nevada.

Winds will be from the south to southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts 30 to 40 mph each afternoon and evening through Thursday. Winds will slacken up some overnight and into the morning; however, some chop may continue through the night, especially on Lake Tahoe, according to NWS-Reno.

Wave Heights on Lake Tahoe will be 2 to 4 feet for mid-lake to north and east shores.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Reading can be enjoyed by all South Lake Tahoe students this summer, even without stepping into the library. Summer is a great time to keep Reading and learning and be prepared for fall.

Library cards can be used online for ebooks and downloadable audiobooks whether you're in town, at grandma's house or on vacation somewhere across the globe.

Thanks to a generous donation from the Tahoe Women’s Community Fund, the South Lake Tahoe Library was able to purchase over 130 new Spanish and English ebooks and downloadable audiobooks to support students.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Over 200 members of the community gathered last week for a Community Wildfire Preparedness and Evacuation Planning meeting that featured ten panelists for an important discussion on what is on the minds of many.

The goal is to be a community that is wildfire ready, and the speakers went through the ways both they and the citizens of the South Shore can be prepared for wildfire, establish evacuation routes and what the emergency response will be.