High winds ahead of weekend snow storm in Lake Tahoe

It was a beautiful Thanksgiving Day in South Lake Tahoe, but things are about to change.

Another system is headed into the Lake Tahoe basin on Friday, bringing with it winds 20-30 mph with prolonged wind gusts from 30-55 mph. The wind advisory is in effect from 10:00 a.m. Friday to 4:00 p.m. Saturday.

Waves are expected to be 2-4 feet with the highest ones on the north and east shores.

Rain and snow will begin Saturday afternoon into Sunday producing winter driving conditions, particularly in the Sierra. Travelers can expect slick roadways and delays, especially with the higher holiday traffic volume.

Snow could create travel headaches at Lake Tahoe starting Saturday evening. Expect icy conditions along with chain controls and travel delays over the passes through early Sunday evening.

The forecast from the National Weather Service:

Thanksgiving night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Friday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Breezy, with a southwest wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.

Friday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. Breezy, with a south wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.

Saturday - A 30 percent chance of snow after 10am. Increasing clouds, with a high near 41. Breezy, with a southwest wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Saturday Night = Snow likely before 4am, then snow showers after 4am. Low around 26. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Sunday - Snow showers, mainly before 10am. High near 34. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Sunday Night - Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Monday - Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42.
Monday Night - A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21.

Tuesday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 45.

Tuesday Night - A slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Wednesday - A slight chance of rain and snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 43. Breezy.

Wednesday Night - A slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Thursday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 38.