Winter storm watch and wind advisories up for Lake Tahoe this week

11:30 AM Update - The forecast snow totals have changed slightly and are reflected below.

Two storm systems heading for Lake Tahoe this week will impact the region with gusty winds, rain, snow and cooler temperatures.

The bigger of the two has prompted the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno to issue a Winter Storm Watch to be in effect from Wednesday afternoon through late Thursday night. Heavy snow is possible so plan on difficult travel conditions. NWS said to expect possible damage to trees and power lines. Total snow accumulations of a foot or more above 7000 feet. Below 7000 feet snowfall is more uncertain, depending on how fast snow levels fall Thursday, but could reach 6 or more inches.

But first, the NWS in Reno has issued a Lake Wind Advisory for the Lake Tahoe Basin on Monday at 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. as the first system passes. Winds will be 15-20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Waves will be 1-3 feet with the highest on the north and east shores. Small boats, kayaks and paddle boards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

The forecast from the National Weather Service in Reno for South Lake Tahoe:

Monday - Rain. High near 48. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Tonight - Rain before 4am, then a slight chance of rain and snow. Low around 30. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tuesday - A slight chance of rain and snow before 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday Night - A chance of rain and snow after 4am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Wednesday - A chance of rain and snow before 10am, then rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Wednesday Night - Rain. Low around 38. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Thursday - Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 10am. High near 38. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Thursday Night - A chance of snow. Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Friday - Sunny, with a high near 45.

Friday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Saturday - Partly sunny, with a high near 50.

Saturday Night - A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.

Sunday - A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56.