weather service

Liberty Utilities is reminding customers to be prepared for possible extended power outages due to incoming winter storms.

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning and avalanche watch starting Thursday morning for the Sierra and Lake Tahoe areas citing that this weather pattern could be the biggest snowstorm of the season.

”Although we prepare for extreme weather impacts to our electric system, we remind customers that power outages may occur and we encourage them to be prepared,” said Travis Johnson, Liberty Utilities’ VP of Electric Operations.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - The first of two storms due to hit Lake Tahoe this week has arrived. This current storm will head out Monday night with the next one due Wednesday through Friday.

Chain controls are up on most mountain roads as of 8:20 a.m. on Feb. 26:

R1 controls: Chains are required - snow tread tires allowed
R2 controls: Chains are required on all vehicles except four wheel drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels

HWY50 - R2 FREDS TO MEYERS^ SPLIT CONTROLS
HWY50 - R2 PLACERVILLE TO FRESH POND
SR88 R2 FRM SILVER LAKE TO CRYSTAL SPRINGS

Up to a foot of snow fell in the upper elevations of Lake Tahoe during Thursday's storm, with several inches at lake level. As of 9:00 a.m. Friday, controls remain on mountain roads including Highway 50, I-80, SR-88, SR-89, SR-207, SR-431 and SR-28.

The forecast from the National Weather Service in Reno:

Below average temperatures will dominate through at least next week as low pressure remains over the West. A weak system Saturday will bring breezy conditions along with a few snow showers, generally north of Interstate 80. Another stronger system is possible Monday into Tuesday

High winds caused a tree to fall onto a duplex on Tahoe Vista Drive in South Lake Tahoe, just before 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 18.

Residents were home in both units and the tree narrowly missed hitting one of the residents according to SLT Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Karl Koeppen.

There were no injuries and one of the family's cat was rescued.

A peak wind gust at the South Lake Tahoe airport was measured at 56 mph as of 10:30 a.m., according to the National Weather Service, with average winds 24-32 mph.

It has been a chilly day in South Lake Tahoe with winds from the southwest up to 20 mph and temps in the 30s. This is in front of a weak weather system that will pass over the Lake Tahoe/Reno area this evening and Thursday morning.

After is passes, dry and warmer conditions will prevail for the next few days.

Saturday will be the warmest day of the forecast (and possibly the rest of the month) with winds aloft becoming more west and a little better mixing for temps rising a few degrees above average.

Time is starting to run out for winter to arrive in South Lake Tahoe, but there are some signs of the season on the horizon.

Temperatures will remain unseasonably mild with mainly light winds across northeast California and western Nevada through Friday. There are some weak low pressure systems dropping into the region this weekend and early next week. They will bring a cooling trend with more typical February temperatures. Light snow showers are possible Monday into Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

It was an overcast start to what turned out to be the warmest January 30 on record in South Lake Tahoe. A high of 56 degrees was reached on the South Shore.

The previous high of 54 for this date occurred in both 1989 and 2012.

Reno, Nevada also had a new record Tuesday with their high of 68, three degrees higher than the previous high from 2003.

A storm that dropped over a foot of snow at higher elevations around Lake Tahoe is hanging around Thursday evening.

Chain controls are in place on roads in the Sierra including Highway 50, I-80, State Route 88 and 89, Kingsbury Grade and Spooner Summit. On Hwy 50 they start as low as Kyburz, Dew Drop on SR-88 and Baxter on I-80 as of 5:10 p.m.

The winter storm warning is in effect until 4:00 a.m. Friday morning. A few more inches of snow is forecast for lake level.

Drier conditions with mild temperatures will return for the weekend and early next week

The keynote speech during the annual Lake Tahoe weather conference, Operation Sierra Storm, is open to the public on Tuesday, January 23 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. "Is This Global Warming?" is the presentation by Dr. Noah Diffenbaugh, internationally renown climate scientist and leader. There will also be a panel discussion.

The free presentation will be in the Harvey's Cabaret.

8:00 a.m. - One hour plus questions and answers: Network Weather Producers Presentation

It's been awhile, but its time to get the chains ready if you're without 4WD and snow tires! A long awaited storm is making its way into the Lake Tahoe basin. A Winter Storm Warning is in place for Lake Tahoe until 4:00 p.m. Friday.

I-80 over Donner Pass has had chain controls go up at about 7:00 p.m. but Highway 50 over Echo Summit just saw chain controls go up at 10:15 p.m.

As of 10:35 p.m. Thursday:

Highway 50 from Meyers to Twin Bridges

Forecasts of snow for Lake Tahoe haven't lived up to their promises recently, but a new system headed to the region could have more promise. Dry conditions and above average temperatures are expected today and through the weekend as high pressure builds into northeast California and western Nevada. More active weather is expected next week, especially by late week, as the stronger of two systems moves through the region.

The above average temperatures are not forecast to be record breaking as highs in the past for this week have been as high as 56-60 degrees.

Snow fell at upper elevations Friday night, bringing 3-10" of much needed powder to Lake Tahoe ski resorts. Both Northstar and Heavenly reported 6", Sierra-at-Tahoe had 3", Squaw Alpine 4", Kirkwood 7" and Mt. Rose 10".

This is just a precursor to the next storm which is forecast to bring heavy snow the the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe Basin. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued, and, according to the National Weather Service in Reno, accumulations of 1-2 feet above 7,000 feet is expected with over two feet at the crest. Areas in Alpine and

Could the strong high pressure system that's been over Northern California and Northern Nevada finally show signs of weakening and could snow return to the Sierra?

Temperatures will remain above average after a weekend that saw record high temperatures. Saturday's 61, Sunday's 58 both broke records, and Monday's forecast of a high of 53 is close to the record 54 from 2012.

Abundant mid and high clouds and periods of gusty winds in the high Sierra are expected through the weekend, leaving Lake Tahoe with party sunny conditions for Christmas. Abundant mid and high clouds and periods of gusty winds in the high Sierra are expected through the weekend.

A very weak system is passing through Northeastern California and Northern Nevada next week, and with it comes a very slight chance of snow coming into the Lake Tahoe Basin, but more precipiation will be staying near the Oregon border.

A quick moving, weak weather system will affect the area Friday night through Saturday morning bringing very light snowfall across the region. The inversions we've seen in the Reno-Tahoe area are likely to strengthen again early next week before a cold front moves through in the middle of next week and breaks them down.

A weak ridge will be in place early next week which will again provide dry conditions, light winds, and the valley inversions. However, models do continue to show a potential for a more potent slider type system on Wednesday.

While snow is falling along the southern part of the U.S. from Texas to Virginia, Lake Tahoe is experiencing a high pressure system with dry conditions with valley inversions, cold nights and light winds for the next 10 days. Daytime highs will be 5-8 degrees above average, and the overnight lows will be below average.

Air stagnation forecast from limited mixing and light winds which will promote hazy skies and potential air quality issues under the 5,000 foot level.

Highs in the low-50s, lows under 20 is in the forecast from the National Weather Service in Reno:

A fast moving and strong cold front will move into the region Saturday into Sunday, bringing wind, some snow, and much colder temperatures. A wind advisory is in place for Saturday into Sunday, and light snow possible from Saturday night to Sunday.

High pressure will then build in over the region for all of next week, with daytime temperatures mild and overnight lows remaining well below freezing.

Forecast from the National Weather Service:

Tonight - Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

There is a chance of rain in Lake Tahoe Monday and next weekend, but all is sunny and clear for Thanksgiving. Will be wet travel days if heading north, dry in the south! No snow in the seven day forecast for the Sierra.

A warm and weak system will bring light rain and very high elevation snow to portions of northeast California and northern Nevada into tonight before drier weather returns through at least Wednesday night. A low chance for light rain and very high elevation snow returns late in the week. Mild temperatures are expected Tuesday through the rest of the week.

11:30 AM Update - The forecast snow totals have changed slightly and are reflected below.

Two storm systems heading for Lake Tahoe this week will impact the region with gusty winds, rain, snow and cooler temperatures.

People from Fresno to Santa Rosa, California reported seeing a fireball across the sky Sunday evening around 5:24 p.m.

The American Meteor Society (AMS) received 19 reports from observers who said "the light got bigger before it burst, leaving a trail of smaller balls before disappearing," "it was a white streak followed by a few tiny fragments. Ended in the main fireball turning to a green color," and "it was flickering and sparkly, like a roman candle being shot across the sky."

A Winter Storm is forecast to move into northern California and northern Nevada by Friday with snow impacting travel over the Sierra Saturday and Sunday. Windy conditions and periods of rain and snow are possible for western Nevada.

* What can we expect in the Sierra? Gusty winds, rain and snow
starting Friday afternoon with heavy snow possible Saturday and
Sunday. Travel could be difficult at times.

* How about western Nevada? Gusty winds Friday into Saturday with
some light rain possible. Best chance for rain is Saturday into

The National Weather Service forecast shows below average temperatures will be on tap through Saturday as a trough moves over the West. Strong easterly winds are likely at the northern Sierra crest late tonight and Saturday morning as strong surface high pressure builds into the Great Basin. Warmer temperatures and dry conditions are expected early next week, with the potential for cooler, wetter, and windier weather late week.

Fall is here! A pleasant weekend in South Lake Tahoe will change to dropping temperatures through Wednesday as a low pressure system comes to Lake Tahoe and Northern Nevada. Look for brisk northerly winds through Tuesday with much colder temperatures through Wednesday. Warmth will make a return as a gradual warming trend will develop for the latter half of the week with above average temperatures possible by next weekend as high pressure returns.

Forecast from the National Weather Service in Reno:

Monday - Sunny, with a high near 53. East wind 10 to 15 mph.

Gone are the forecast highs of 70s, in their place are increasing winds with a high of 69 on Friday to highs in the 50s through the workweek.

A weak cold front will bring increased high clouds Friday followed by dry conditions and near average temperatures for the weekend. Colder weather is expected for the first half of next week with occasional breezy conditions and a slight chance of showers, as a potent cold front and a series of low pressure systems move through the region.

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