Change in weather ahead for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just as many were enjoying sunny skies and temps in the 50s and 60s, Mother Nature is sending a bit of change to the area this week.

Coming in from the west is a significant storm with gusty winds and heavy rains Friday through Sunday. The storm is a warm and wet one so there will be the potential for flooding along creeks, streams and rivers.

Monday will be back in the mid-50s.

From the National Weather Service in Reno:

Rain: Areas of moderate to heavy rain will develop Friday night and continue through late Saturday night. Snow levels will start around 10000 feet keeping the bulk of the precipitation in the form of rain. Rainfall totals between 2 to 4 inches along the crest, 1 to 2 inches in the Tahoe Basin, and up to 1.5 inches will be possible in the foothills. Although less than an inch is generally expected in lower western Nevada valleys, plan on impacts. Rises on small creeks and streams are expected Friday night as well as ponding in low lying areas and street intersections. Areas that experienced enhanced runoff or flooding during the last storm a couple of weeks ago should plan on similar or greater impacts due to the heavy rain and the expected contribution of the melting snow pack. Mainstem rivers will also experience increased flows by Saturday, especially the middle fork of the Feather, Carson, Susan, and the Truckee. For more details on mainstem river forecasts check www.cnrfc.noaa.gov or read the hydrology section of the area forecast discussion.

Winds - Significant impacts are likely for high profile vehicles, boaters, and aviation due to the strong winds on Saturday. Widespread wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph are possible with stronger wind gusts in wind prone locations and along ridgelines.

Snow - Very heavy, wet snow is possible late Saturday night into early Sunday morning as snow levels slowly fall below 7000 feet. Chain restrictions may occur on the Sierra passes.

Forecast:

Tonight - Mostly clear, with a low around 24. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Tuesday - Sunny, with a high near 56. Light and variable wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Tuesday Night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday - Partly sunny, with a high near 56. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday Night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Thursday - A 20 percent chance of showers after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 57.

Thursday Night - A 30 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39.

Friday - Rain. Cloudy, with a high near 52.

Friday Night - Rain. Cloudy, with a low around 40.

Saturday - Rain. Cloudy, with a high near 45. Breezy.

Saturday Night - A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28.

Sunday - A chance of snow. Mostly sunny, with a high near 49.

Sunday Night - Mostly clear, with a low around 25.

Monday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.