Active Christmas weather week ahead for Lake Tahoe; Wind advisory to start things off

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a chance of a white Christmas, though chances for a wet Christmas at most elevations around Lake Tahoe is a better possibility.

Before Christmas, there are quick-moving storms this weekend that will bring stronger winds on Saturday, with light rain and high-elevation snow showers. A Wind Advisory is in place for Saturday, December 21 from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. for communities around Lake Tahoe. Expect winds from the south to southwest, 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Wave heights of 2 to 4 feet on Lake Tahoe.

The best window for holiday travel continues to be Monday before another storm brings winter travel impacts for the Sierra on Tuesday. Additional weather systems with lowering snow levels are possible late next week after Christmas Day.

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

Saturday - A 40 percent chance of showers after 10 am. Snow level 6600 feet rising to 8200 feet in the afternoon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 47. Breezy, with a southwest wind of 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.

Saturday Night - Rain showers likely before 4 am, then rain and snow showers. Snow level 8300 feet. Low around 29. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%. Little or no snow accumulation is expected.

Sunday - Rain and snow showers, becoming all rain after 7 am. Snow level 8100 feet. High near 45. Southwest wind around 5 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%. Little or no snow accumulation is expected.

Sunday Night - A chance of rain showers before 4 am, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Snow level 8600 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 30. Southwest wind around 5 mph. The chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation is expected.

Monday - A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 7 am, then a slight chance of rain showers between 7 am and 4 pm. Snow level 8300 feet. Partly sunny, with a high near 50. Calm wind. The chance of precipitation is 20%.

Monday Night - Rain likely, mainly after 4 am. Snow level 8700 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 30. The chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tuesday - Rain before 1 pm, then rain, possibly mixed with snow. Snow level is 7800 feet lowering to 6900 feet in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44.

Tuesday Night - A chance of snow before 10 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18.

Christmas Day - Mostly sunny, with a high near 42.

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

Thursday - Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40.

Thursday Night - Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 22.