Winter Weather Warning for Lake Tahoe: Up to 18" of snow forecast for lake level

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Lake Tahoe Basin from 4:00 p.m. Tuesday to 4:00 p.m. Heavy snow is expected with total accumulations of 8-18 inches at lake level and 1-2 feet above 7000 feet. Localized totals near 3 feet are possible over the multi-day period along the Sierra Crest. Winds will be gusting as high as 60 mph.

The worst conditions will be late Tuesday through midday Wednesday.

Travel could be very difficult to impossible, according to NWS. The cold nature of this storm will lead to accumulating snow at all elevations, not just pass levels.

Blowing snow is possible further reducing visibility Tuesday night. This storm is coinciding with one of the busiest travel periods of the year. With heavy snowv expected, lengthy travel delays are likely and it could take 2-3 times longer to reach your destination. The storm warning advising travelers to avoid travel if possible as you could be stuck in your vehicle for many hours. If you must travel, prepare for long delays and carry tire chains, an emergency kit with extra food, water and proper clothing. If you stay home, have a backup plan in case of power
outages.

The forecast from NWS Reno:

Today - Sunny, with a high near 42. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon.

Tonight - Increasing clouds, with a low around 12. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday - A 40 percent chance of snow, mainly after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Tuesday Night - Snow. Some thunder is also possible. Low around 16. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 8 to 12 inches possible.

Wednesday - Snow showers. High near 29. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Wednesday Night - Snow showers likely, mainly before 5am. Cloudy, with a low around 8. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Thanksgiving Day - Snow showers likely, mainly after 11am. Cloudy, with a high near 28. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Thursday Night - Snow showers likely, mainly before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around -2.

Friday - A chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 28.

Friday Night - A slight chance of snow showers before 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 0.

Saturday - A slight chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 32.

Saturday Night - A slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 7.

Sunday - A chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 42.