Strong storm headed to Lake Tahoe: Up to 16" snow at lake, 2 feet at upper elevations

Christmas will be arriving early for those waiting for a strong storm to bring snow to Lake Tahoe. A winter storm warning has been issued for the area from 10:00 a.m. Friday to 4:00 p.m. Saturday. Friday is expected to be a heavy travel day, bringing people into the Basin for the holiday weekend.

Snow will start to move in Friday morning with periods of heavy snow all the way from Friday afternoon to Saturday midday. Forecasters are calling for 1-2 feet at elevations above 7,000 feet, with locally heavier along the Sierra Crest. Lake level can expect 8-16 inches.

Santa's visit on Saturday night should be met with little, if any, snow, but it will be a chilly 13 degrees.

Winds are also associated with this storm, coming from the southwest 15-25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Ridge tops can see gusts up to 100 mph.

Expect poor visibility with whiteout conditions, especially over the passes. It will be dangerous for back country activities, as well as for travel on highways 50, 80, 99, 89, 207 and 267.

The National Weather Service forecast:

Thursday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night - Increasing clouds, with a low around 30. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Friday - Snow. High near 39. Breezy, with a southwest wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

Friday Night - Snow. Low around 23. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Saturday - Snow before 10am, then snow showers likely, mainly between 10am and 4pm. High near 29. West wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Saturday Night - A 40 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 13. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Christmas Day - Mostly sunny, with a high near 32.

Sunday Night - Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18.

Monday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 34.

Monday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Tuesday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 42.

Tuesday Night - Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Wednesday - Mostly sunny, with a high near 42.