High winds, heavy rain and snow in South Lake Tahoe 3-day forecast

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Warm Warning, Lake Wind Advisory and Flood Watch for South Lake Tahoe, and all three are in effect on Thursday, February 9.

Flood Watch Thursday 10:00 a.m. to Friday 4:00 a.m.

Another period of heavy rain is expected today and tonight with even higher flows and more flooding possible. Areas where snow has clogged drainage paths may remain flooded for longer periods of time. More rock and mud slides may also occur and impact travel.

The two-day rainfall totals between 5 and 9 inches have been measured in the northern Sierra according to the National Weather Service, bringing river and stream rises across the area. High river and stream flows in the Sierra, such as the upper portions of the Feather River system, are already occurring and will continue through Saturday.

Winter Storm Warning Thursday 10:00 a.m. to Saturday 1:00 a.m.

High elevation snow will develop this morning and continue through this evening. A second wave of snowfall and lower snow levels is expected Friday afternoon and evening.Snow Levels: 8000 to 8500 feet this afternoon falling to near 6000 feet by Friday afternoon.

Snow Accumulations: 1 to 2 feet above 8000 feet with up to 3 feet along the crest. 6 to 12 inches between 7000 to 8000 feet. Rain will turn to snow Friday morning at lake level with 2 to 5 inches possible by Friday evening.

Strong Winds Today: Strong and gusty winds 60 to 70 mph in the valleys by daybreak. Wind across the ridges may reach near 150 mph. Winds will diminish tonight. Winds will create high waves on Lake Tahoe today, 3'-7' in height from mid-lake to north and east shores.

Forecast from the National Weather Service

Today - Rain, mainly after 10am. The rain could be heavy at times. Temperature falling to around 41 by 5pm. Very windy, with a southwest wind 20 to 30 mph increasing to 30 to 40 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 70 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Tonight - Rain before 4am, then rain and snow likely. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 36. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Friday - Snow likely, possibly mixed with rain, mainly after 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 43. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Friday Night - Snow showers likely, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Saturday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. East wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday Night - Mostly clear, with a low around 19.

Sunday - Sunny, with a high near 43.

Sunday Night - Mostly clear, with a low around 21.

Monday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.

Monday Night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Tuesday - Partly sunny, with a high near 50.

Tuesday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Wednesday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.