The National Weather Service office in Reno has issued a Special Weather Statement warning residents to prepare for a cold front that will affect our area Tuesday night, and possibly bring snow to the Honey Lake Valley Wednesday morning.
According to forecasters a fast moving upper low will push a strong cold front through the region late Tuesday into Wednesday. This will bring increasing winds, much colder temperatures and a chance for snow.
On Tuesday gusty southwest winds will develop across the Sierra ridges early in the day and then spread to lower elevations
by afternoon. This will result in increased turbulence for aviation with localized impacts for high profile vehicles in the more wind prone areas.
In addition lake waters will be choppy and small boats will be prone to capsizing so it is recommended to stay off lakes.
Valley wind gusts will mainly be in the 30 to 40 mph range, briefly peaking to around 50 mph for a couple of hours just ahead of the cold front.
Rain and higher elevation snow will develop along the front Tuesday evening with snow levels falling quickly to most valley floors by Wednesday morning. Current simulations show light snow accumulations, around 2 to 5 inches above 6500 feet and up to 2 inches below 6500 feet, from the Tahoe basin northward to the Oregon border.
Expect slick roads at higher passes Tuesday evening, then spreading throughout the Tahoe basin and northern Sierra before daybreak Wednesday. Accumulations in the High Sierra of Mono County could reach up to 4 inches by Wednesday afternoon.
Rapidly falling snow levels will likely produce snow showers to all valley floors Wednesday. Brief accumulations are possible in the heavier showers north of Highway 50 even in the lowest valleys, but any accumulations below 5,500 feet will be short lived as road surfaces are likely to be above freezing.
Those planning to travel in the Sierra Tuesday night and Wednesday should be prepared for the typical travel delays associated with winter weather.
For more information you can always find current conditions at LassenWeatherNetwork.com.
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