Two storms headed to Lake Tahoe bringing rain, wind and snow

Two storms are headed to Lake Tahoe and each will bring rain, wind and a chance of snow.

The first storm will hit Thursday into Friday, with the other one right on its tail Saturday night into Sunday.

Storm one:

Hurricane Seymour off the coast of Mexico will bring heavy rainfall that will likely cause travel delays, especially for those driving across the Sierra. The peak period for heavy rain looks like it will be early Friday morning. Rain will spillover into Western Nevada as well, so be prepared with ponding water on the roadway.

A major concern with the storm will be in the Emerald Fire, Marina Fire and Little Valley Fire areas where the heavy rain may cause debris flows or rock slides. Rises on the rivers are also likely but flooding is not expected.

Snow levels will be generally 9,500-10,000 feet, with only the highest passes such as Tioga and Sonora impacted according to the National Weather Service. Heavy wet snow will rapidly accumulate on Sierra Peaks above 10,000 feet.

Storm two:

The next storm is colder, and brings with it heavy rain with higher elevation snow. Snow levels are expected to start at the 7,000-8,500 foot level Sunday morning, then falling to 6,500-7,500 by late Sunday afternoon. Snow levels may lower to about the 6,000 foot level by Sunday night. Periods of snow are possible on all Sierra passes Sunday. Travelers should prepare for travel delays and chain controls.

Rain will spillover into Nevada, though it won't be as heavy as the first storm.

Winds over the ridges will gust to 80-90 mph with the valley gusting 30-35 mph.

The best travel window appears to be Friday night through Saturday afternoon.

The forecast according to the National Weather Service:

Wednesday night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. South wind around 10 mph.

Thursday - A slight chance of showers before 11am, then a chance of rain after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday Night - Rain. Low around 39. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Friday - Rain. High near 50. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Friday Night - A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Saturday - A 20 percent chance of showers before 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56.

Saturday Night - A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37.

Sunday - Rain showers before 11am, then rain and snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 45.

Sunday Night - A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

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

Monday Night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Tuesday - Partly sunny, with a high near 48.

Tuesday Night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Wednesday - Partly sunny, with a high near 48.