The National Weather Service is cautioning residents in our area to prepare for a series of wet and windy storms that will affect Lassen County and northeastern California through the weekend.
According to the folks at the NWS low pressure will reach the West Coast today pushing a cold front through the Sierra and western Nevada. This will lead to gusty winds throughout the day and a period of moderate to heavy snow in the Sierra late tonight and Wednesday.
Winds ahead of the system today
Gusts of 35 to 45 mph are expected to impact western Nevada and the Sierra valleys including the Lake Tahoe basin. Gusts near 55 mph are possible in wind prone areas with ridge winds approaching 80 mph.
Rough Lake waters will produce hazardous boating conditions on Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake. Blowing dust is also possible across western Nevada which may reduce visibility along Interstate 80 and highways 50… 95… 395… and 447.
Snow in the Sierra
Total accumulations of 12 to 18 inches are possible near the Sierra crest with 3 to 8 inches down to around 6000 feet through Wednesday night. Light snow should start along the Sierra crest this afternoon as the cold front arrives. A period of moderate to heavy snow is possible Wednesday as a cold and unstable airmass moves into the region.
Forecasters expect the heaviest snow to occur between fredonyer summit in western Lassen County and Sonora pass in northern Mono County. This includes the Lake Tahoe basin and Carson Pass in Alpine County.
Here in the Honey Lake Valley
The best chance for rain and snow is Wednesday with snow levels generally around 6000 feet but dropping in some areas as low as 5000 feet early Wednesday morning and after sunset Wednesday evening.
Light accumulations are possible above 5500 feet in the foothills along Highway 395. No travel impacts from snow are expected below 5000 feet.
For more information you can click here for current conditions at LassenWeatherNetwork.com.
