An unusually cold winter storm for late November will move into the Sierra and western Nevada Tuesday then linger through the remainder of the week according to a Winter Storm Warning issued today by the National Weather Service office in Reno. Along with a chance of significant snowfall forecasters are also warning that early Tuesday we could see strong and gusty winds with cross-winds of 50 mph or more along Highway 395 between Susanville and the Nevada border making travel hazardous for high profile vehicles.
There is a Winter Storm Warning in effect from 10:00a.m. Tuesday until 4:00a.m. Wednesday
Forecasters from the National Weather Service are expecting heavy snow and very cold air to move into northeastern California, including Lassen and Plumas counties, on Tuesday. The heaviest snow will taper off Tuesday night with snow showers persisting into Wednesday.
The weather service is predicting 6 to 12 inches of snow above 5000 feet west of Highway 395 with up to 6 inches elsewhere.
At the beginning of the storm winds will be out of the southwest at 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Ridge gusts may reach 80 mph and damage to trees is possible.
Lassen and Plumas residents can expect snow and blowing snow with whiteout conditions and icy roads. This includes highways 36, 44, 70, 89 and 395.
Significant delays for holiday travelers and dangerous winter weather conditions for back-country activities are expected.
Those traveling in the Sierra on Tuesday and Wednesday should consider alternate routes and/or departure times. Carry emergency supplies and be prepared for long travel delays.
Travel impacts likely for the upcoming holiday
The cold winter storm will linger through the remainder of the week.
Early Tuesday strong and gusty winds could create significant turbulence for anyone flying into Reno for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Strong cross winds of 50 mph or more are also possible along Highway 395 making travel hazardous for high profile vehicles.
A strong cold front will sweep south during the day Tuesday and usher in much colder air along with periods of snow into Wednesday. Snow levels may fall as low as 2,000 feet leading to a significantly longer commute time for those traveling down the western Sierra slopes and across much western Nevada.
In the higher elevations of the Sierra one foot or more of snow is possible from Tuesday through late Wednesday. In the Sierra valleys 5 to 10 inches are possible.
In the Honey Lake Valley and other lower valleys in northeast California and western Nevada up to 3 inches of snow is possible. Those with travel plans in the Sierra should consider alternate routes and departure times.
Much colder air will settle over the region from Tuesday night into Saturday. Highs are forecast to remain in the 20’s in the Sierra valleys and upper 20’s to lower 30’s across western Nevada and northeast California. This will the be coldest air thus far this season and possibly the coldest period of weather since January 2013. Preparations should be made early to protect poorly insulated water lines, livestock and outdoor pets from cold related problems.
The National Weather Service is also warning those people heading outdoors to dress properly as wind chill temperatures in the higher elevations may fall as low as 20 degrees below zero. 
For more information you can always find current conditions at LassenWeatherNetwork.com.
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