Forecasters at the National Weather Service office in Reno have issued both a High Wind Warning and a Winter Storm Watch as a warm winter storm, with plenty of Pacific moisture in tow, is set to hit Monday night and affect us through Wednesday morning.
High Wind Warning
South winds of 25 to 35mph, with gusts up to 70mph, are expected here in Lassen, eastern Plumas and eastern Sierra counties from 10:00p.m. Monday until 10:00a.m. Tuesday.
Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
Now is the time Secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture, holiday decorations, and trash cans before winds increase which could blow these items away. The best thing to do is prepare ahead of time by making sure you have extra food and water on hand, flashlights with spare batteries and/or candles in the event of a power outage.
Winter Storm Watch
Heavy snow is possible above 5,500 feet, with total snow accumulations of 2 to 8 inches, except 6 to 16 inches west of Highway 395 above 6,500 feet.
Winds could gust as high as 65 at all elevations on Tuesday, especially outside of the precipitation.
The winter storm will affect Lassen, eastern Plumas and eastern Sierra counties from Tuesday morning through Wednesday morning.
Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Strong winds could cause tree damage.
Heavy rain will move into the area this evening. Snow will be possible above 6,500 to 7,000 feet overnight with initial accumulations of 4 to 10 inches through Tuesday morning.
Impacts will be limited to these higher elevations during this time, here in the valley we will see most of the moisture in the form of rain.
