A strong winter storm is still on track, although some of the latest model guidance is suggesting that it might be a bit warmer than originally thought. That doesn’t change the effect it will have on the upper elevations of the mountains. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the mountains starting 4 am Thursday through 4 am Friday. Snow levels will start fairly high (8,000’+) Wednesday evening but will drop fairly rapidly to below Lake Tahoe level by Thursday morning. Winds will be very strong with this storm as well, so expect travel over the mountains all day Thursday to be very difficult. Total snow accumulations could be from 1-2 feet above 7,000’ with lesser amounts around the Lake.

Wind will be the most noticeable feature of this storm in the valley. A High Wind Warning goes into effect Midnight Wednesday night and will run through the afternoon Thursday. Valley gusts could exceed 65 mph Thursday, and we could get a significant amount of spillover rain here in Reno. The rain could turn to snow showers Thursday night into Friday, but I don’t expect a lot of valley accumulation.

A colder and potentially snowier storm comes through Sunday.