Lake Wind Advisory in place for Lake Tahoe ahead of series of storms

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Lake Wind Advisory to be in effect from 1:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday, January 22. Southwest winds from 15-30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected at Lake Tahoe. Waves 3-5 feet from mid-lake to the north and east shores are possible.

Small boats, kayaks and paddle boards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

The wind comes as a stormy, colder weather pattern with multiple waves of low pressure are expected through next Thursday. The systems are expected to move

The first two storms are expected to be fairly modest but may bring a light accumulating snowfall to the Sierra and to portions of western and west-central Nevada. The forecast snow amount for South Lake Tahoe has reduced in the last 24 hours.

The three day forecast from NWS Reno:

Friday - Snow likely after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 39. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Friday Night - A 30 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Saturday - A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly before 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 36. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the morning. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Saturday Night = Partly cloudy, with a low around 15. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Sunday - A 30 percent chance of snow after 10am. Increasing clouds, with a high near 39. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Sunday Night - Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18.

There will also be possible lake- effect snows downwind from Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake, especially Monday, as well as localized heavier bands could bring heavier snowfall amounts to a few areas although confidence is low in where the bands will set up. Be prepared for periods of slick travel with chain or snow tire requirements possible at times.

The system for Wednesday and Thursday looks the strongest by far. That system is likely to bring significant periods of travel disruption in the Sierra and for northeast California. As snow levels will remain low, travel issues are also possible in western Nevada.