Cold storm blows into Carson City

Just in time for another big winter holiday weekend, Mother Nature will deliver dry, cold snow to the Sierra Nevada, with little or no wind, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service in Reno.

The question remains: How much snow? As the storm approaches from Canada, it will pass over the Pacific Ocean and pick up moisture. How long it lingers over the ocean will determine whether the Sierra Nevada will see 1 foot or 4 feet of snow.

A snow advisory for Carson City and the surrounding area including Lake Tahoe began Friday afternoon and is expected to last through this evening, according to the weather service. Four to 8 inches of snow are expected above 5,500 feet and 3 to 6 inches on the valley floor.

A snow advisory means that periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow-covered roads and limited visibilities and use caution while driving, according to the weather service.

This is the coldest storm to hit the region this winter. A smaller cold storm earlier this week coated roads with ice and contributed to several accidents.

For today expect cloudy skies with 1 to 3 inches of snow and highs in the mid 30s. South winds will be around 10 mph. Tonight, more snow showers are likely with lows in the mid teens and south winds around 10 mph shifting to the west after midnight.

On Sunday, there is a chance of snow showers with highs in the mid 30s and west winds around 10 mph. Sunday night should be mostly cloudy with a slight chance of snow, lows in the mid teens and west winds around 10 mph.

The Nevada and California Highway Patrols remind people to drive with caution, check tires, brakes, wiper fluid and defrost systems to make sure they are working properly.