The first winter storm of the season was expected to swing into the area overnight with high winds and rain in the valleys and snow at high altitudes.
The National Weather Service in Reno is forecasting intermittent showers and cloudy skies for most of the day today.
"There could be gusts up to 45 mph in most places, but they could be 50-60 mph in places like Washoe Valley," said meteorologist Edan Lindaman. Motorists are advised to use caution, and trucks should plan to take East Lake Boulevard or Old Highway 395 to avoid accidents caused by high winds.
Periods of heavy snow with near-whiteout conditions are possible above 7,000 feet in the Tahoe Basin. The snow level could drop to 5,500 feet, but with little accumulation.
The main band of the cold front should start clearing out this afternoon, Lindaman said.
Carson City could see up to half an inch of rain, with as much as 6-12 inches in the higher elevations.
Although snow will fall in the mountains, Heavenly Ski Resort spokeswoman Elizabeth Latenser said most resorts won't be opening until there is enough snow coverage for optimum skiing. Heavenly's official opening day is Nov. 18.
High temperatures for the next couple of days will be between 51 and 56 degrees with overnight lows between 36 and 41 degrees, Lindaman said.
Conditions could remain cold and wet through Thursday, with a warming trend arriving Friday and temperatures climbing to between 65 and 70 degrees for the weekend.
