A snowstorm blew into the Sierra Nevada on Monday accompanied by rainfall and light snow in Carson City, seeming to prove Punxsutawney Phil's prediction for six more weeks of winter.
As part of the traditional Groundhog Day ceremony, the rodent was released in the early morning hours from his home on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Penn. On his romp outside, he saw his shadow thus forecasting winter to last for more than a month longer.
And, meteorologists agree, at least for the upcoming week.
"Every other day or so, you can expect a chance of precipitation," said Gina Beninato, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
Winter storm warnings were issued across the Sierra on Monday with more than 18 inches of snow was expected to fall at the higher elevations.
Chains were mandatory on Interstate 80 over Donner Summit between Reno and Sacramento, Calif., as well as on U.S. 50 over Donner Summit.
Chains or snow tires also were required on the Mount Rose Highway, California Highway 88, Kingsbury Grade in Douglas County and most other highways around the Lake Tahoe area.
Conditions are expected to clear today with another chance of rain or light snow in Carson City on Wednesday into Thursday morning and again Friday into Saturday morning.
Contact Teri Vance at tvance@nevadaappeal.com or at 881-1272.