Weather Service issues Blizzard Warning for Lake Tahoe

Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/15/2019 - 3:35pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service in Reno has updated their forecast and issued a Blizzard Warning for Lake Tahoe from 7:00 p.m. Wednesday to 7:00 a.m. Thursday for elevation 7000 feet and above.

Blizzard conditions now expected with increased snowfall from Wednesday through Thursday.

Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon: Moderate snow with accumulations of 5 to 10 inches, except 10 to 18 inches west of Highway 89, are expected. Winds gusting as high as 75 mph for ridge tops.

For Wednesday night through Thursday: Heavy snow accumulations of 2 to 5 feet above 7000 feet with blizzard conditions. Below 7000 feet, 8 to 18 inches, possibly as much as 16 to 32 inches if precipitation remains all snow. Winds gusting as high as 110 mph for ridge tops.

Travel could be very difficult to impossible with periods of road closures expected. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage.

There is also an Avalanche Watch in place for the Sierra from 4:00 p.m. Wednesday to 7:00 a.m. Friday.