Stronger storm forecast to hit Lake Tahoe Wednesday night

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A winter storm warning is in effect starting at 10:00 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28 and lasting until 4:00 a.m. Friday, Nov.30. Heavy snow is expected, prompting officials to upgrade the storm from a "watch" to a "warning."

Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches below 7000 feet are expected with 3-6 inches at lake level and 1-3 feet above 7000 feet with higher amounts along the Sierra crest according to the National Weather Service. It will be windy as well with gusts as high as 60 mph over higher terrain.

Prior to the arrival of the "Main Event," snow accumulations Wednesday will happen above 6500 feet with little to no snow expected at lake level. Echo Summit, Donner Summit, Mt Rose Summit and passes on Highway 395 in Mono County may see 4-8 inches of snow.

Wednesday night through Thursday night. 1-3` of snow is possible above 7000 feet in the Sierra, with 6-12" elsewhere. This will create major travel delays throughout the Sierra. The biggest boom or bust potential are elevations in the 5000-6500` elevation range where 4-8 inches remains possible.

On Friday, under 1/2" of snow is possible at lake level during the day and another 2-4" at night. Another cold storm follows for Saturday with additional snow expected through the Sierra, northeast California, and northwest Nevada. Saturday morning will be the best chance to receive a few inches of accumulating snow in the low valleys of western Nevada including Reno, Carson City, and Minden. This storm brings with it much colder temperatures.

The forecast for South Lake Tahoe from the National Weather Service in Reno:

Today - Rain. High near 43. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Tonight - Rain likely before 11pm, then rain and snow. Low around 30. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Thursday - Rain and snow. High near 39. Southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Thursday Night - Snow. Low around 23. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Friday - A chance of snow before 5pm, then a chance of snow showers after 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Friday Night - A chance of snow showers before 11pm, then snow likely, mainly after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Saturday- Snow likely before 11am, then snow showers, mainly after 11am. High near 34. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible.

Saturday Night - Snow showers likely, mainly before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17.

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

Sunday Night - A slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 15.

Monday - A slight chance of snow showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 35.

Monday Night - A slight chance of snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 19.

Tuesday - A slight chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 38.