Snow, freezing temperatures on the horizon

Forecasters are tracking a storm from Alaska that's moving toward the Sierra and Northern Nevada, bringing with it winds, snow and freezing temperatures.

"The storm is going to start moving into the area Thursday night," said Brian Brong, National Weather Service meteorologist. "The first thing we'll start to experience is high winds, so we do have a high-wind watch out for Carson City, Thursday evening through Friday afternoon."

Brong said Washoe Valley and the foothills on the west side of Carson City may see winds of up to 65 mph.

"The period we'll see the best chance for rain or snow is Friday afternoon. The snow levels will drop to the valley floors. Our concern is everyone driving home from work Friday afternoon to Friday evening ... the time when it could change from rain to snow," he said. "Right now we're looking at a chance for an inch or so accumulation on valley floors Friday evening. And it doesn't sound like a lot, but the problem is there's going to be a quick transition where the temperatures go above freezing to below freezing, so if there's wet roads and a front goes through, those roads can freeze really quick."

While today's high is expected to be 59, with an overnight low of 39, it's Friday that can bring all the trouble, said Brong.

The high for the day is expected to be 45, with overnight lows of 15 to 20 degrees. Several inches of snow are possible in the Sierra, with as much as a foot in the higher elevations.

The National Weather Service warns that anyone planning travel through the eastern Sierra or over Sierra passes Thursday through the weekend should closely monitor the latest forecasts and weather statements.