A strong winter storm is likely to impact holiday travelers in northeastern California on Tuesday according to a special weather statement issued today by the National Weather Service office in Reno.
Travel impacts likely for the upcoming holiday
According to NWS forecasters a strong winter storm will drop south southeast into eastern California and western Nevada on Tuesday then linger through the remainder of the week with much colder temperatures throughout the region.
Early Tuesday strong gusty winds could create significant turbulence for anyone flying into Reno for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Strong cross winds of up to 50 mph are also possible on north to south oriented roads making travel hazardous for high profile vehicles between Reno and Susanville on Highway 395.
The weather agency says that a very strong cold front will sweep south during the day Tuesday and usher in much colder air along with periods of snow. However, there are still some uncertainties regarding the amount of snow the region will receive.
Gusty winds may combine with even light amounts of snow to create holiday travel impacts with this storm. In the higher elevations of the Sierra one foot or more is possible from Tuesday through late Wednesday. In the Sierra valleys up to 6 inches is possible. In the lower valleys of northeast California and western Nevada up to 3 inches of snow is possible.
These amounts could rise if the storm system stays over the waters of the eastern Pacific a little longer.
Much colder air settles over the region from Tuesday night into Friday. Highs will be as much as 15-degrees below normal. Reaching only the 20’s in the Sierra valleys and lower to mid 30’s in western Nevada and northeast California. This will the be coldest air thus far this season and preparations should be made early to avoid cold related problems.
As mentioned above, there are some uncertainties with the exact track of the storm and this will affect snow totals. Check back frequently for updates to forecast snow totals along with more information on the winds ahead of the storms and the cold temperatures later in the week.
For more information you can always find current conditions at LassenWeatherNetwork.com.