The path of the next storm headed to the Lake Tahoe area is still uncertain and weather experts are keeping a close eye on the situation to keep drivers informed during one of the most heavily traveled holidays. The National Weather Service is advising motorists to be informed as snow totals are still uncertain.
The National Weather Service warning: There are uncertainties with the exact tract of a strong winter storm heading into the Sierra. The storm will drop south-southeast into Eastern California and Western Nevada Tuesday, then linger through the remainder of the week.
Early Tuesday, expect strong gusty winds that would create significant turbulence for anyone flying into the area for Thanksgiving. Strong cross winds of up to 50MPH are possible. A very strong cold front will sweep south during the day Tuesday and usher in much colder air along with periods of snow. There are still some uncertainties regarding the amount of snow the region will receive, but gusty winds may combine with even light amounts of snow to create holiday travel impacts.
In the higher elevations, one foot or more is possible from Tuesday through late Wednesday. In the Sierra valleys, up to 6″ is possible. In the lower valleys of Northeast California and Western Nevada, up to 3″ of snow is possible. These amounts could rise if the storm system stays over the waters of the eastern Pacific a little longer.
Much colder air settle over the region from Tuesday night into Friday. Highs will be as much as 15 degrees below normal, reaching only the high 20s in the Sierra Valleys. This will be the coldest air thus far this season.
Forecast from National Weather Service:
Today – Sunny, with a high near 57. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Tonight – Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday – Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Monday Night – Snow likely after 5am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. Breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Tuesday – Snow. High near 31. Windy, with a southwest wind 20 to 25 mph increasing to 25 to 30 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Tuesday Night – Snow. Low around 14. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Wednesday – Snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 25. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Wednesday Night – A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 9.
Thanksgiving Day – A slight chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 26.
Thursday Night – A slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 11.
Friday – A slight chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 28.
Friday Night – A slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13.
Saturday – A chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 32.