Rain, snow and wind on tap for the Lake Tahoe Basin Thursday-Friday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A late season winter storm will bring gusty winds, mountain snow and rain to the region mid-day Thursday and lingering into Friday. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno issued a weather statement concerning the latest system to reach Lake Tahoe:

Rain and high elevation snow will push into the Sierra and northeast California by mid-day Thursday, with the highest precipitation rates late Thursday afternoon and evening. There will be a sharp rain shadow with limited spillover into western Nevada until late Thursday night into Friday.

Snow levels and accumulation: Snow levels will start on the high side, 6500-7500 feet. Between this and the midday start, we may not see much, if any, roadway

accumulation during the day Thursday even in mountain communities including South Lake Tahoe. Snow levels will drop off Thursday night into Friday, which is when travel difficulties across the Sierra will be likely.

This is the type of storm that will bring significantly more snow to western Sierra slopes than to Lake Tahoe and areas east of the crest. Steadier snow may continue in the Sierra on Friday, south of Lake Tahoe, otherwise we`ll see scattered snow/snow pellet showers Friday with the potential for even a rumble of thunder, but additional snow accumulation will be minimal.

This storm will bring gusty south to southwest winds on Thursday with winds turning to the northwest on Friday. Winds are rather run of the mill with most gusts in the 30-40 mph range in the lower elevations and 80-100 mph along ridgetops. Still, this is enough to bring choppy lake conditions, difficult travel for high profile vehicles, and turbulence for aviation.

The two-day forecast for South Lake Tahoe from NWS Reno:

Thursday - A 40 percent chance of rain, mainly after 3pm. Snow level rising to 7300 feet in the afternoon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 47. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night - Rain likely before 11pm, then rain and snow. Snow level 7100 feet. Low around 35. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Friday - Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 8am. High near 42. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Friday Night - A 40 percent chance of snow before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Little or no snow accumulation expected.