String of storms heading to Lake Tahoe this week

A winter storm warning has been issued for the Lake Tahoe basin from 10 a.m. Monday to 10 a.m. Tuesday. Periods of heavy snow will begin Monday morning with accumulations 18"-36" above 7,000 feet. Snow accumulations below 7,000 feet will vary with 4"-12" expected. Snow levels will start at 6,000 feet Monday morning, rising to 7,000 feet by the Tuesday morning. The heavier precipitation is expected Tuesday.

The incoming storm will have winds with it as well, 10-25 mph with gusts to 40 mph in the morning Monday, tapering down by afternoon.

Holiday travel through the Sierra Nevada will be impacted most of the week with several storms heading into the region. Active winter weather will continue throughout the week with additional snow, rain, and wind. While none of these systems will be major by Sierra standards, each round will bring periods of delays and chain controls over Sierra passes.

According to the National Weather Service, just before Christmas and the weekend after will have the best chance of driving through without snow and wind to contend with.

Forecast for the week:

This Afternoon - Snow, mainly after 4pm. High near 36. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tonight - Snow. Low around 30. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Monday - Rain and snow likely. Cloudy, with a high near 34. Breezy, with a southwest wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Monday Night - Rain and snow. Low around 34. Breezy, with a south wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Tuesday - Rain and snow, becoming all rain after 10am. High near 44. Breezy, with a west wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tuesday Night - A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Wednesday - Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37.

Wednesday Night - A chance of snow. Cloudy, with a low around 24.

Thursday - Snow. Cloudy, with a high near 29.

Thursday Night - Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 12.

Christmas Day - A slight chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 29.

Friday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 2.

Saturday - Sunny, with a high near 30.

Always check with Caltrans (http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/) or NDOT (http://nvroads.com/) for the latest on road conditions.