Winter Storm Watch for Lake Tahoe Friday night to Sunday night: Can you measure in feet?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Lake Tahoe Basin and Truckee from Friday evening to Sunday night.

Heavy snow is possible with total accumulations of 20 to 30 inches, except 2 to 4 feet above 7000 feet with up to 5 feet of snow on the crest possible. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.

The heaviest snowfall rates are anticipated Saturday and Sunday. The combination of heavy snow and wind may bring periods of whiteout conditions.

First, there will be a wave of bad weather Thursday night into Friday morning when a fast-moving and weaker storm pushes through the Sierra. Travel difficulties across Sierra passes are possible with up to 6 inches of snow accumulation along the Sierra crest passes.

Four-day forecast from NWS Reno:

Thursday - A 30 percent chance of snow showers after 4 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. South wind 5 to 10 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible.

Thursday Night - Snow showers likely, mainly after 10 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. A new snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches is possible.

Friday - A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly after 4 pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 35. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible.

Friday Night - Snow likely, mainly after 10 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 19. Breezy, with a southwest wind of 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches is possible.

Saturday - Snow. High near 40. Breezy, with a southwest wind of around 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches is possible.

Saturday Night- Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 19. The chance of precipitation is 100%. A new snow accumulation of 8 to 12 inches is possible.

Sunday - Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Cloudy, with a high near 33.

Sunday Night - A chance of snow, mainly before 4 am. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 10.

From NWS Reno: Now is the time to prepare an emergency kit for your home and
car. If traveling, consider alternate plans, and remember to carry tire chains, extra food, water, and clothing. Once the storm arrives, travel may be difficult or impossible for an extended period of time.