Wintry front dumps snow and rain, causes traffic tie-ups

Carson City was blanketed with more than 8 inches of snow in less than 12 hours Sunday morning, causing traffic snarls and dozens of minor traffic accidents.

"Have we had a large number of weather-related incidents? Yes, but most of them are minor and aren't even requiring tow trucks. We have had a lot of slide-outs, but no injury accidents," said Sgt. McGregor of the Nevada Highway Patrol.

Chain controls were instigated beginning Saturday evening for higher elevations, and lower locations were added early Sunday morning.

At 4 a.m. Sunday, the National Service issued a heavy-snow warning for Carson City, and more than 8 inches had reportedly fallen by early Sunday morning. The warning was finally allowed to expire at noon Sunday, according to Scott McGuire, National Weather Service hydrometeorological technician.

"The majority of the snow has already fallen, and it should just be rain from Sunday afternoon on," said McGuire.

With temperatures falling to just below freezing Sunday night, he said that localized pockets of ice would become the main concern overnight and into today. Temperatures were expected to rise into the upper 40s today, with little chance of further precipitation expected for the next several days, according to McGuire.

Despite the dwindling snowfall, McGregor urged people to continue to use caution when driving.

"If you can stay home, do it. But, if you have to go out, go slow because with this much water it can turn into ice," said McGregor.

n Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.