Lake wind advisory as next storm moves into Lake Tahoe Basin

The Sierra is at average precipitation for this date, below last year's epic winter at this time, but its still early. Will a storm system heading to Lake Tahoe be enough to put those totals higher?

Probably not this storm. It brings with it strong winds but not much snow or rain.

The next in a series of storms is projected to impact the region Wednesday afternoon through Thursday, with a weaker system brushing across the region Friday morning. This storm has a good amount of wind energy with it, but is relatively warm and moderate at best in terms of precipitation potential. Here are the key

* Timing: Strong south/southwest winds developing along the mountain ridges Wednesday, becoming strong in valley locations areawide by pre-dawn Thursday morning and lasting through the afternoon Thursday. Periods of light to moderate rain affecting the northern Sierra and northeast California Wednesday evening into Friday morning. Snow levels will generally remain above 7500-8000 feet but may temporarily lower to near 7000 feet Wednesday night and again early Friday morning. Western Nevada and the eastern Sierra in Mono County are likely to see minimal precipitation.

* Impacts: Strong winds Thursday may create travel problems in wind prone areas, strong turbulence for aviation, localized power outages and tree/fence damage, and impacts to any open ski areas. Rapid fire spread is possible in lower elevation grassy vegetation. Light snow accumulations could result in travel slow downs over Sierra passes, with the highest risks Thursday night into Friday morning.

A lake wind advisory is in place for Lake Tahoe from 10:00 a.m. Wednesday to 7:00 p.m. Thursday. Winds will be south to southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Sierra ridge gusts up to 85 mph. Wave Heights: 2 to 4 feet. Highest waves from mid lake to north and east shores.

Here is the forecast from the National Weather Service in Reno:

Tonight - Partly cloudy, with a low around 24. South wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday - A 10 percent chance of rain after 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 53. Breezy, with a south wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Wednesday Night - A 40 percent chance of rain, mainly after 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Breezy, with a south wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Thursday - A chance of rain before 10am, then a chance of showers after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. Breezy, with a southwest wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Thursday Night - A 30 percent chance of showers before 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Friday - A 20 percent chance of showers after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 49.

Friday Night - Mostly clear, with a low around 26.

Veterans Day - Sunny, with a high near 52.

Saturday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Sunday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.

Sunday Night - A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Monday - A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49.

Monday Night - A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27.

Tuesday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.