The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Special Weather Statement warning residents of northeastern California to prepare for strong, damaging winds and snow beginning this afternoon.
The next winter system arrives later today, bringing the potential for damaging winds, mountain snow and a few light valley rain and snow showers. This system is modest in terms of snowfall, however, travel difficulties with snow-covered roads and localized areas of blowing snow are still expected late Monday into Tuesday in the Sierra from Tahoe north, and for the passes of northeast California.
Winds will increase by this afternoon for northeast California, the Tahoe Basin and western Nevada. There is the potential for gusts to exceed 70mph for wind prone locations along the US-395 and I-580 corridor between Susanville and northern Mono County, in addition to the Surprise Valley, and far northern Washoe County near the Oregon border.
Elsewhere, gusts of only 30-50 mph are anticipated for valley locations, with Sierra ridge gusts exceeding 100mph.
Some tree falls and power outages are possible, along with travel restrictions for high profile vehicles.
This morning we will see southwest winds at 20 to 35mph with gusts up to 70mph. Strongest winds will occur along Highway 395 from Susanville to the Nevada State Line.
Snow will occur in western Lassen, Plumas and Sierra counties with travel impacts above 5,000 feet along Highways 36, 44, 49 and 89.
Now is the time to secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture, holiday decorations, and trash cans before winds increase which could blow these items away. The best thing to do
is to prepare ahead of time by making sure you have extra food and water on hand, flashlights with spare batteries and/or candles in the event of a power outage.
