High winds in South Lake Tahoe; heavy snow and rain on the way

A late season atmospheric river will bring another significant precipitation event to the Sierra and western Nevada. Near saturated soils and a mostly ripe low to mid elevation snowpack will contribute to increased runoff. This will increase flood potential, especially along creeks and streams, Friday into Saturday. This event isn`t expected to be as strong as storms in January and February but is a significant precipitation event for April.

The winds have arrived in South Lake Tahoe, and three weather related warnings have come with them: wind, snow and flooding.

Lake Wind Advisory in effect Thursday until midnight. It calls for winds from the southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph. Wave Heights: 2 to 4 feet. Small boats, kayaks and paddle boards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

Winter Storm Warning from midnight Thursday to Saturday at 5:00 p.m. Heavy wet snow will develop Thursday night in the Sierra. Snow will spread to lake level by Friday night through Saturday. Snow should taper to showers on Saturday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) says snow levels will start at 6500-7500 feet Friday, falling to 4500 feet by Saturday morning. Snow levels may fluctuate around Lake Tahoe level during the day on Friday. Snow accumulations are expected to be 2 to 4 feet above 7500 feet elevation with 6 to 12 inches around Lake Tahoe.

The potential for up to 18 inches at lake level is possible if snow levels drop sooner than currently expected.

There is also a Flood Watch issued for Lake Tahoe and surrounding area from late Thursday through Saturday morning. The Truckee, Carson, and Susan Rivers are all expected to see rapid rises and will likely near monitor stage during this storm.

The forecast from NWS Reno:

This Afternoon - A 30 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. Breezy, with a southwest wind around 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph.

Tonight - Rain before 11pm, then rain and snow. Low around 38. Breezy, with a south wind around 25 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Friday - Rain and snow. Temperature falling to around 34 by 5pm. Breezy, with a southwest wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Friday Night - Rain and snow. Low around 30. Breezy, with a southwest wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Saturday - Snow before 11am, then snow showers after 11am. High near 34. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Saturday Night - Snow showers likely, mainly before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Sunday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 39.

Sunday Night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Monday - A slight chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 44.

Monday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 24.

Tuesday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.

Tuesday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 27.

Wednesday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 50.