The National Weather Service in Reno is forecasting a major winter storm over the next three days.
A three-night winter weather advisory takes effect 10 p.m. tonight and is forecast to last until 4 a.m. Wednesday.
Today will give Valley residents a last chance to freeze proof their irrigation systems as a forecast front heads into Western Nevada.
While the low tonight isn’t expected to drop but a degree below freezing in Minden, about a quarter inch of rain is expected to fall in the County Seat turning to snow before 9 a.m. with a possibility of around an inch.
Commuters to Lake Tahoe may find rough going on Monday morning before a possibility of a break during the day.
“While there may be breaks in snowfall during the advisory period, hazardous road conditions may persist as cold temperatures will help refreeze wet road surfaces,” forecasters said in the advisory.
Winds are expected to increase Sunday afternoon and evening with 35-45 mph gusts in the valleys and of up to 50-60 mph in wind prone locations.
Forecasters are predicting a substantial amount of moisture from the storm with 1.39 inches of rain forecast in Minden.
According to a graphic posted by the National Weather Service in Reno up to 2 feet of snow on Spooner Summit and 24-30 inches in South Lake Tahoe.
A winter storm warning takes effect 4 p.m. today until 4 a.m. Wednesday with 2-4 feet above 7,000 feet and 100 mph gusts over the Sierra ridge lines as the storm rolls over.
“Travel could be very difficult to impossible,” forecasters said. “The hazardous conditions will impact commute times over mountain passes.”
High winds could topple trees, which could cause power outages.
“Be prepared for whiteout conditions and subzero wind chills along the foothills and ridgelines of the Sierra.”
Forecasters warned motorists could be stuck in vehicles for hours and should prepare for long delays and carry extra food, water and clothing.”
