Winter Storm Warning in affect for Lake Tahoe until Sunday

Submitted by paula on Sat, 12/07/2019 - 1:05am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Winter Storm Watch has been ungraded to a Winter Storm Warning for the Lake Tahoe Basin, Truckee and Donner Pass until noon on Sunday.

Changes from the previous forecast include the added threat for high intensity snowfall and thundersnow Saturday evening.

People can expect heavy, wet snow with total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 feet above 7000 feet, highest along the crest. 6-12" possible between 6500-7000 feet. 2-6" of wet snow possible below 6500 feet. Winds gusting as high 100 mph on the Sierra ridges and with gusts of 40 to 50 mph for lower elevations by Saturday morning.

Particularly dangerous travel conditions could occur Saturday late afternoon
through Saturday evening when high intensity snowfall rates and thundersnow are forecast. Travel could be very difficult to impossible, especially over the Sierra passes. The hazardous conditions are likely across passes through at least Sunday morning. Gusty winds and heavy, wet snow could bring down tree branches.

Dangerous boating conditions expected on Lake Tahoe. Gusts up 45 mph possible with waves heights of 2-4 feet.

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

Overnight - Rain and snow, becoming all rain after 4am. Low around 24. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total nighttime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Saturday - Rain before 10am, then rain and snow. The rain and snow could be heavy at times. Some thunder is also possible. High near 43. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Saturday Night - Rain and snow. The rain and snow could be heavy at times. Some thunder is also possible. Low around 22. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

Sunday - Snow. High near 35. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Sunday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 13. Calm wind.