Winter Storm Watch in place for Lake Tahoe this weekend

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - What was originally forecast to be a sunny and mild weekend has changed into one that is calling for two different storms bringing heavy snow to the greater Lake Tahoe area.

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Monday morning. There are actually a couple of storms on tap for the weekend. The Saturday storm will be a quick hitter, while the Sunday storm could linger through early next week. The stronger of the two storms begins to move in early Sunday morning. Plan for additional snow in the Sierra with periods of white out conditions due to the strong winds, aviation turbulence and low level wind shear, and periods of rain and snow showers for western Nevada locations. Wind gusts 35 to 50 mph will
be possible for valley locations with wind gusts up to 90 mph for the Sierra.

Exact details are still being ironed out, but forecaster confidence is increasing for an active weather weekend ahead.

The National Weather Services (NWS) is forecasting total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches possible with 1 to 2 feet along and west of SR89. Travel could be very difficult with very long travel delays possible over the Sierra starting Sunday morning. Saturday afternoon and evening may see better travel conditions before heavier snow arrives by Sunday morning.

Even with the snow, unnecessary travel should not be attempted during the coronavirus pandemic and "stay at home" orders.

The four-day forecast from NWS Reno:

Friday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 24. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday - Snow likely, mainly after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 44. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Saturday Night - Snow likely, mainly before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Sunday - Snow before 11am, then snow showers after 11am. Some thunder is also possible. High near 39. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Sunday Night - Snow showers before 11pm, then snow after 11pm. Some thunder is also possible. Cloudy, with a low around 21.

Monday - Snow before 11am, then snow showers after 11am. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37.

Monday Night - Snow likely, mainly before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22.