The National Weather Service in Reno is warning area residents that an incoming Pacific storm will bring a sharp return to winter conditions early this week.
High winds, localized fire weather concerns, areas of blowing dust, snow for the Sierra and western Nevada foothills, and much cooler conditions are all on tap with this storm.
Forecasters expect high winds with potentially damaging gusts of 60mph or more will materialize by Monday morning with the strongest winds targeting wind prone sections of Highway 395. Sierra ridge wind gusts are forecast to be near and above 100mph. Blowing dust may reduce visibility at times.
Between 5:00a.m., until 8:00p.m. Monday total snow accumulations of up to 2 inches are forecast in eastern Lassen County along Highway 395, 2 to 6 inches in western Lassen, Plumas, and Sierra Counties.
Snow will impact travel in the Sierra and northeast California Monday morning and afternoon, with rain and snow spreading into western Nevada lower elevations through Monday evening. Snowfall amounts of 6 to 12 inches are forecast near the Sierra crest.
High temperatures early this week will be more than 30 degrees colder compared to last week’s warm spell, with widespread freezing conditions likely Monday and Tuesday nights.
Now is the time to prepare for this significant change back to winter weather. Secure loose outdoor items before the winds increase Monday, and have sufficient food, water, warm clothing
and emergency supplies handy in case of power outages. Anyone planning travel in the Sierra Monday through early Tuesday can expect slick travel conditions and delays with chain controls.
