SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Even though an atmospheric river is aiming for California, Lake Tahoe will not see the brunt of the storm. The area north of San Francisco into the I5 corridor will see massive amounts of rain, up to ten inches in many areas.

The first wave of the storm starts Wednesday, with a second, stronger storm hitting the region Friday into Saturday. The public should watch the forecast as the system gets closer, especially if traveling through the Sierra and over mountain passes.

There will be warmer temperatures with the first storm. As it sweeps into the region, it will do so mostly during the daylight hours. Therefore, snow levels will start to rise on Wednesday.

There is a Lake Wind Advisory in place for the Lake Tahoe Basin from 10 p.m. Tuesday to 7 p.m. Wednesday. Expect southwest winds of 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph and waves of 2 to 4 feet. Higher Sierra ridges will also see wind gusts peaking 80-90 mph late morning Wednesday that continue into the afternoon.

Wednesday – Chance of snow between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., then rain likely, possibly mixed with snow. Increasing clouds, with a high near 47. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible during the day, with an 80% chance of precipitation during the event with little or no snow accumulations expected.

Thursday – Rain and snow likely, becoming all rain after 7 a.m. Snow level at 8700 feet. Partly sunny, with a high near 52. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no snow accumulation is expected during the day. During the evening there is a 30% chance of rain with snow level at 7300 feet and a low of 32 degrees.

Friday – Rain is likely, mainly after 10 a.m. Snow level 7200 feet rising to 8000 feet in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible. Rain and snow mix after 4 a.m. Saturday though the snow level is at 8000 feet. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible.

Saturday – Rain and snow before 10 a.m., then rain between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., then rain and snow after 4 p.m. Snow level 6600 feet. Cloudy, with a high near 43. Once the sun goes down, the snow could be heavy at times. 4-8″ of snow is possible.

Sunday – Snow is likely. The snow could be heavy at times. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. Another 3-5″ of snow is possible.

For road conditions, visit https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ for California roads, and https://www.nvroads.com/ for Nevada roads.