Snow expected in the Sierra, western Nevada

The National Weather Service has issued a snow advisory for later today for the Lake Tahoe region and valleys of western Nevada.

The advisory area extends along much of the eastern Sierra, from Lassen, Plumas and Sierra counties in California to south of Lake Tahoe.

Forecasters expect up to 4 inches of snow by this afternoon.

For the Carson City, Minden and Reno areas, the weather service predicted 1 to 3 inches of snow were possible this morning, with higher accumulations in the Sierra foothills.

The snow was expected to taper off this afternoon.

But another storm was expected to push into the region this weekend, bringing wind, rain and snow at higher elevations.

Tonight will be partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain showers. The snow level will be 5,500 to 6000 feet with lows in the lower 30s and south winds 10 to 20 mph.

Friday will be partly cloudy with a chance of rain showers in the morning. Rain is likely in the afternoon with the snow level rising to near 7,000 feet. It will be very windy, with high temperatures in the mid 50s. South winds will be 25 to 40 mph, gusting up to 60 mph. The chance of rain will be 60 percent.

Friday night also will be windy with a 70 percent chance of rain. Lows will be in the mid-30s.

Saturday will bring rain and snow. The snow level will be between 4,500 and 5,000 feet by late afternoon. It will continue to be windy near the valley floor, with highs in the lower 40s.

The chance of snow at 60 percent is Saturday night with lows in the mid-20s.

Sunday will see a slight chance of snow showers during the day. Otherwise, it will be partly cloudy with highs in the mid-30s.