Waves of new weather systems headed for South Lake Tahoe, official warnings in place

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As if the feet of snow the Sierra Nevada have already received over the last few weeks weren't enough, more storms are heading to Lake Tahoe. Friday was a day of calm and a chance to prepare before the next series of colder winter storms arrives starting Saturday. This first Pacific system arrives Saturday, with a stronger one Sunday morning. A strong atmospheric river event is expected to impact the region Monday through Wednesday next week, bringing heavy Sierra snow, gusty winds, and possible low-elevation flooding concerns.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the area of Truckee and Donner Pass down to Mammoth Mountain starting Saturday at 4 a.m. and going through Monday at 4 a.m. Once that system leaves, a Winter Storm Watch starts at 4 a.m. Monday through Wednesday at 4 a.m.

For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow is expected with the strong atmospheric river. Forecasters say total snow accumulations up to 12 inches in the region are possible, 1 to 2 feet above 7000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 90 mph on the Sierra crest.

For the Winter Storm Watch above 6000 feet, heavy snow is possible. Total snow accumulations of up to 12 inches are expected in the region, with 2 to 5 feet above 7000 feet. Winds could gust as high as 120 mph on the Sierra crest.

Travel could be very difficult to impossible through the Sierra. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage between January 7-11. At lower elevations, the impacts could include the potential for urban, small stream, and mainstem river flooding.

The NWS Reno Forecast for South Lake Tahoe:

Saturday - A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly after 10 am. Partly sunny, with a high near 40. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Little or no snow accumulation is expected.

Saturday Night - Snow. Low around 22. South wind 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches is possible.

Sunday - Snow, mainly before 4 pm. High near 40. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches is possible.

Sunday Night - Snow, mainly after 10 pm. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 23. South wind around 5 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches is possible.

Monday - Snow before 10 am, then rain. The rain and snow could be heavy at times. Snow level rises to 7200 feet in the afternoon. High near 42. Breezy. The chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches is possible.

Monday Night - Rain before 10 pm, then rain and snow. The rain and snow could be heavy at times. Snow level 7300 feet lowering to 6400 feet after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 24. Breezy.