The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Special Weather Statement for Lassen, eastern Plumas and Sierra counties, warning that a quick, weak winter storm is expected to bring light snow to the valley floor beginning this afternoon.
Forecasters say that a fast moving, weak storm will bring the potential for light snow to the Sierra, northeast California, and western Nevada late Sunday afternoon into Monday morning. While significant accumulation is not expected, travel impacts are probable, with the worst conditions likely Sunday night into Monday morning.
For western Nevada, a mix of rain and snow is expected on valley floors, but foothill locations above 5000 feet are more likely to see all snow.
There is an 80 percent chance that valley floors will see at least a dusting of snow by daybreak Monday morning, with potentially icy conditions on roadways. Snow totals will be modest, an inch or less for most western NV valleys, 1-3″ in foothill locations above 5000 feet around the Reno area (includes Virginia City and Geiger Grade), and 2-6″ for the Sierra and foothills south of Highway 50.
If you have travel plans for the end of the weekend, consider traveling over the mountains Sunday morning instead of the evening to avoid difficult travel conditions. Be prepared for potentially icy roads Monday morning and allow extra time for your commute.
Gusty northeast winds will follow this storm Monday into Tuesday, bringing single digit to below zero wind chills in the mountains.
