A couple of storms are on tap for the weekend and that may result in travel disruptions along the Sierra, aviation impacts and recreational hazards according to forecasters at the Reno office of the National Weather Service.
The Saturday storm will be a quick hitter with lighter precipitation, while the Sunday storm will be much more robust and linger through early next week.
The initial storm moves through quickly on Saturday with gusty winds and precipitation beginning by around midday. The system quickly exits the Sierra and western Nevada by Saturday evening.
Light rain, or a mix of rain and snow above lower valley floors, is possible here in the Honey Lake Valley and throughout western Nevada, with a modest snowfall in the Sierra. Travel impacts from snow in the Sierra and for northeast California are expected to increase Saturday night.
The stronger of the two storms begins to move in early Sunday morning. Plan for heavier snow in the Sierra with periods of white out conditions possible due to gusty winds, with aviation turbulence, low level wind shear and periods of rain and snow showers.
Wind gusts 30 to 40 mph, locally to around 50 mph in wind-prone areas, will be possible for valley locations with wind gusts to around 90mph for exposed Sierra ridges.
The NWS has issued a Winter Storm Watch for our area from Saturday afternoon until Monday morning, warning that heavy snow possible. For Lassen, eastern Plumas and eastern Sierra counties 4 to 10 inches is possible above 5,000 feet with up to 4-inches elsewhere.
Travel could be very difficult with very long travel delays possible over the Sierra and for routes west of Susanville, especially starting Sunday morning. Saturday afternoon and evening may see better travel conditions before heavier snow arrives by Sunday morning.
Please take the current Coronavirus situation into account when making your travel plans and avoid unnecessary travel during winter weather. Even a small car accident will require actions from first responders that will create further strain on resources.
