Storm due to arrive this afternoon

A two-day winter storm warning for Lake Tahoe above 7,000 feet begins at 4 p.m. today as the first of a series of storms moves into Western Nevada.

The National Weather Service has issued the warning for Tahoe lasting until 4 a.m. Tuesday. That storm will prompt a winter storm warning in the upper elevations of Mono County at 4 a.m. Monday.

Waves of moisture are expected to pass through the area every 24 hours for the next week with the strongest and coldest system passing through on Wednesday and Thursday.

Strong winds are expected on Monday and again on Wednesday night.

According to the weather service, the Sierra is likely to receive several feet of snow during the week. There is a chance of small accumulations of snow on the Valley floor toward the end of the week.

Near blizzard conditions may prevail in the Sierra on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, with periods of low visibilities. Flights at Reno Tahoe Airport may be affected by strong winds and snow.

As of 8 a.m. it is warm and a little breezy in the Gardnerville Ranchos, with winds 10-12 mph and a temperature of 44 degrees. Expect the wind to pick up as the front approaches with gusts of up to 23 mph by 4 p.m.