High Wind Warning and Winter Storm Watch in effect for Lake Tahoe this week

UPDATE 12/26: The incoming storm has been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning. Heavy snow is expected after the rain. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 10 inches, except 1 to 2 feet above 7500 feet. Wind gusts around 50 mph with gusts up to 100 mph along the Sierra ridgetops.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a significant winter storm heading to California, and it will impact the region late Monday and Tuesday, with showers lingering into Wednesday. This potent system is tapping into a very moist subtropical plume, bringing with it periods of moderate to heavy precipitation as well as snow.

For South Lake Tahoe, expect very strong winds and heavy rain Monday night and Tuesday. Rain will transition to snow in the Sierra Tuesday afternoon as snow levels drop to near valley floors Tuesday night. Additional storms will keep the chance of rain and mountain snow going with additional impacts possible through New Year's Day.

A High Wind Warning is in effect from 10 p.m. Monday to 10 a.m. Tuesday. Expect winds from the southwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected. Gusts between 110 and 130 mph are possible along exposed ridges. Waves 4 to 6 feet on Lake Tahoe. Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Boating conditions will be
extremely dangerous on Lake Tahoe as small vessels could easily capsize.

A Winter Storm Watch will then be in effect from Tuesday, December 27 at 10 a.m. until Wednesday, December 28 at 10 a.m. Heavy snow is possible. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 12 inches, except 8 to 24 inches above 7000 feet. Wind gusts near 50 mph are possible with gusts up to 100 mph along the Sierra ridgetops. Waves 3 to 5 feet on Lake Tahoe.

Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Strong winds could cause extensive tree damage. Small vessels could capsize on Lake Tahoe.

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

Monday - A 30 percent chance of rain after 4 pm. Snow level 7900 feet. Partly sunny, with a high near 50. South wind around 5 mph.

Monday Night - Rain, mainly after 7 pm. The rain could be heavy at times. Snow level 7200 feet rising to 8200 feet after midnight. Low around 34. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Tuesday - Rain before 4 pm, then rain and snow likely. The rain could be heavy at times. Snow level is 8400 feet lowering to 7000 feet in the afternoon. High near 52. Windy, with a southwest wind of 30 to 35 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch is possible.

Tuesday Night - Rain and snow likely, becoming all snow after 7 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 20. Breezy, with a southwest wind of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches is possible.

Wednesday - A 40 percent chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 38. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Wednesday Night - Snow, mainly after 4 am. Low around 19. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Thursday - Snow, mainly before 4 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38.

Thursday NightSnow, mainly after 10 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Friday - Rain and snow, becoming all rain after 10 am. Snow level 7300 feet. Cloudy, with a high near 41.

Friday Night - Rain and snow. Snow level 7100 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Saturday - Rain and snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Cloudy, with a high near 39.
Saturday NightSnow likely. The snow could be heavy at times. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16.
New Year's DayMostly sunny, with a high near 40.