A very strong cold front will move through the Sierra and western Nevada Tuesday night into Wednesday according to a weather bulletin from forecasters at the Reno office of the National Weather Service.
Likely impacts from this storm will be very strong potentially damaging winds, widespread snow down to all valley floors, followed by very cold temperatures.
According to forecasters winds are expected to become very strong with damaging wind gusts possible. Winds in western Nevada could reach into the 50 to 60 mph range with wind prone areas potentially exceeding 75 mph.
The duration of the strongest winds is expected to be relatively short, around 3 to 6 hours. Due to the timing of the winds occurring overnight, the wind gusts could be especially erratic with near calm conditions one minute and very strong wind gusts the next. Strong wind shear and turbulence is likely ahead of the front.
Snow is expected to be an intense short duration event with snow falling at all elevations. Current expectations is for 1-2 inches of snowfall in the valleys of western Nevada with most of it likely falling in 1-2 hours along the front. Recent simulations have shifted the system westward increasing the potential snow accumulation in the Sierra with the current forecast for 3 to 6 inches of snow.
Very cold air behind the front will bring the coldest temperatures of the season. By Thursday, high temperatures in western Nevada will not get out of the 30s and depending on snowfall may only be around freezing. Overnight lows will drop into the teens and single digits.
The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a High Wind Watch, which is in effect from Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning.
Tuesday night through Wednesday morning we can expect wind gusts 50 to 60 mph in the valleys with gusts up to 75 mph in wind prone areas. Gusts of 120 mph along the Sierra Crest.
Some disruption to air travel and high profile vehicles should be expected. Damage to trees, fences and other light infrastructure will be possible.
For up-to-date weather information follow this link to the Lassen Weather Network.
