Strong cold front moving in

Northern Nevada could be in for some pipe-poppin' cold at the end of this week.

A strong cold front will move through the region tonight, followed by very cold Arctic air Thursday night and again Saturday night.

Highs could fail to reach freezing from Thursday through the weekend in western Nevada and eastern California, the weather service said on Tuesday.

In addition, snow is possible tonight through Thursday at all elevations, and the extensive snow cover could mean even colder temperatures. Highs in the teens and lows below zero are possible in the lower valleys Friday and Saturday from California to Utah.

Gusty winds could send wind chills well below zero in the valleys of Northern Nevada and in the 30- to 40-degree below zero range in the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada.

Preparations should be made before the cold front arrives to ensure that pets and livestock can be given sufficient protection from the cold. Exposed water pipes in danger of freezing and bursting should be insulated.

- National Weather Service, Reno and wire reports