Ready for the storm?

Get those snow tires on and those chains ready.

If you're living in Washoe Valley especially, you might want to think about storm shutters.

Because the region's biggest storm system in the last several years is set to hit Northern Nevada starting this afternoon.

"It's a cluster of three storms, but it's basically going to feel like one big storm," said Chris Jordan, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Reno.

Jordan said winds will howl through the area in the early evening, gusting through Carson at 60 mph and up to 80 mph in Washoe Valley.

Following the wind, heavy and wet precipitation will take over starting Friday morning in the Sierra Nevada.

"By Friday evening the precipitation will move into the valley," Jordan said. "The winds will start to decrease and snow levels will drop overnight Friday and accumulate snow on the valley floors."

With 5 to 8 feet of snow predicted above 7,000 feet, Carsonites will see their fair share as well - with 6 inches to a foot called for in town.

"Those totals are just through midday Saturday," Jordan said. "Another storm comes in on Sunday.

"It's definitely got the potential to be the biggest storm of the season. It will start out pretty wet - but by Sunday we'll get a colder air mass for dryer snow."

Jordan said all storm systems should move out late Monday, but showers could follow the snow on the valley floor.

Mark McLaughlin, an author and photographer and admitted "weather nut" said he's been tracking this storm closely - his endorsement that it's going to be a big one came in the form of a midweek shopping trip to stock up on supplies.

"Everybody's pulling out all the stops up here," he said. "I think people are getting ready to hunker down and see what happens."

McLaughlin, who has appeared on PBS and the Weather Channel with storm prognostications, said he thought this storm will live up to its billing - albeit, might not be a record-breaker.

"I think it's getting (so much) attention because people are still around from the holidays and are planning on how they're going to get in and out," he said. "It's also got those high winds - but I'd be surprised if it set records."

Regardless, meteorologist Jordan said this will be a storm to eclipse all others from the recent past.

"We haven't seen a storm this good for a few years," he said. "We definitely didn't see any storms like this last year."

The initial storm is developing off the eastern coast of Asia, sweeping by Japan and heading towards Alaska.

Those who are taking to the roads this weekend can look forward to a "prepared and well-rested" crew of NDOT workers, said Scott Magruder, NDOT spokesman.

"Over the two holiday weeks, it hasn't been that busy," he said. "Our crews are definitely prepared. Our sand/salt piles are stocked and our equipment is in good shape."

Some motorists driving around this week may have noticed NDOT crews "watering down" the major roads and highways.

"Those tanker trucks look like they're putting water on the roadway," Magruder said. "But when the water evaporates, there's a thin sheet of salt that coats the road. It gives us an extra head-start in reducing the amount of ice that can form."

Magruder said drivers in Carson should "take it slow" and that he expects the majority of traffic congestion and incidents to be at higher elevations.

"We're on alert everywhere, but especially up above," he said.

• Contact reporter Andrew Pridgen at apridgen@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.

Fast facts

The most prolific January storm season in Carson City was in 1949 when some 28 inches of snow fell here. If this weekend's storm system brings in a foot or more, as predicted, Carson will have nearly half the record total. Last year, only 31 inches of snow fell the entire year. Only 22 inches fell the year before. Carson City may have more than a quarter of the last 24 months combined snowfall by weekend's end.

- Source: Desert Research Institute

Storm forecast

• Thursday Night: 50 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 38. Windy, with a south wind between 20-30 mph, with gusts as high as 65 mph.

• Friday: Periods of rain, mainly after 10 a.m. High near 52. Windy, with a south wind between 20-30 mph, with gusts as high as 80 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent.

• Friday night: Periods of rain followed by periods of snow. Low around 31. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent.

• Saturday: Periods of snow showers, mainly before 10 a.m. High near 38. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

• Saturday night: Snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 27.

• Sunday: Snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 31.

• Sunday night: A chance of snow showers. Cloudy, with a low around 19.

• Monday: A slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31.

- Source: National Weather Service

Road safety

Drivers are reminded to remove snow from vehicles and get updated road conditions before driving, as well as to drive at a slow, constant speed, use seat belts and headlights and keep a safe distance from other vehicles and objects. Further winter driving tips and information are available on the Nevada Department of Transportation's new winter driving Web site at www.nevadadot.com/winter.

Winter driving tips

• Only travel in winter weather when necessary, leave enough time to safely reach your destination and plan your route to avoid snowy/icy areas and steep hills.

• Before driving, check weather and road conditions by dialing 511 within Nevada (1-877-NV-ROADS outside of state).

• Share your travel itinerary so others know when to expect you.

• Remove snow and ice from all vehicle windows, mirrors, lights, turn signals and license plates.

• Buckle up.

• Turn on headlights to see and be seen.

• Turn off cruise control.

• Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Avoid quick starts, stops and fast turns. Accelerate, brake and steer smoothly and gradually.

• Reduce speed. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions.

• Do not slam on brakes. Apply steady pressure on ABS-equipped vehicles and pump brakes if necessary on other vehicles.

- Source: Nevada Department of Transportation

Storm forecast

• Thursday Night: 50 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 38. Windy, with a south wind between 20-30 mph, with gusts as high as 65 mph.

• Friday: Periods of rain, mainly after 10 a.m. High near 52. Windy, with a south wind between 20-30 mph, with gusts as high as 80 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent.

• Friday night: Periods of rain followed by periods of snow. Low around 31. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent.

• Saturday: Periods of snow showers, mainly before 10 a.m. High near 38. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

• Saturday night: Snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 27.

• Sunday: Snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 31.

• Sunday night: A chance of snow showers. Cloudy, with a low around 19.

• Monday: A slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31.

- Source: National Weather Service

Road safety

Drivers are reminded to remove snow from vehicles and get updated road conditions before driving, as well as to drive at a slow, constant speed, use seat belts and headlights and keep a safe distance from other vehicles and objects. Further winter driving tips and information are available on the Nevada Department of Transportation's new winter driving Web site at www.nevadadot.com/winter.