Wind and snow expected this weekend for Lake Tahoe and the Sierra

A strong cold front will move through the region Saturday afternoon bringing high winds to the Sierra and Lake Tahoe region and up to 18 inches of snow in the higher elevations, according to the National Weather Service in Reno. A High Wind Warning is in effect across the Sierra and Western Nevada from Friday night through Saturday. Wind gusts are expected to reach 60 mph through most valleys and up to 70 mph in wind prone areas with gusts over 100 mph across Sierra ridges.
Areas of blowing dust may reduce visibility below 1 mile for motorists along Highway 50 and Interstate 80.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the Northern Sierra and travel may be impacted Saturday across Sierra passes. 10 to 18 inches of snow is possible above 7,000 feet along the Sierra Crest in the Lake Tahoe Basin and up to 6 inches at lake level by Saturday night. 6 to 12 inches are possible west of Highway 395 above 5,000 feet north through Lassen County and a few inches possible east of Highway 395.