Lake Tahoe forecast: Pleasant days to be replaced with quick storm bringing wind, snow

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. -Enjoy some beautiful Lake Tahoe weather on Saturday before a quick moving weather front enters the region, bringing wind and snow to the region starting Sunday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Wind Advisory for Sunday, October 16 from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. For the greater Lake Tahoe Area, Surprise Valley, greater Reno-Carson City-Minden area, Lassen-Eastern Plumas- Eastern Sierra counties and northern Washoe County, expect gusty winds of 40-45 mph with stronger gusts up to 60 mph through wind prone areas. Gusts near 100 mph are possible across the Sierra ridge tops.

There is increased potential for enhanced fire danger with the strong winds and moderately dry conditions. Strongest winds are expected along US-395 between Susanville and Doyle, the Washoe Valley, and the Carson Valley.

Gusty winds could result in road travel impacts for high profile vehicles, rough air for aviation, and rough waters across area lakes.

Rain and snow showers will also accompany this system with snow levels dropping to near 5000-6000 feet Sunday night into Monday morning. This may impact travel across Sierra passes where 2-3" of snowfall is possible through Monday morning along with less than an 1" near lake level. A light rain/snow mix will also be possible across western Nevada valleys by early Monday morning with snow levels dipping near 5000 ft. For lower valley areas, plan on slick roads. Wake up early Monday in case roads are less
than ideal for the commute.

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

Saturday - Sunny, with a high near 69. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
Saturday Night - Increasing clouds, with a low around 34. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday - Partly sunny, with a high near 61. Breezy, with a southwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.
Sunday Night - A chance of rain before 8pm, then rain and snow likely between 8pm and 2am, then snow likely after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Monday - Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 49. West wind around 5 mph.
Monday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 21.