UPDATED, Dec. 8, 7:43 a.m.
The National Weather Service has changed the winter storm watch to a winter weather advisory, now from 8 p.m. Wednesday to 4 p.m. Thursday. The NWS also slightly lessened predicted snow accumulation above 5,000 feet.
UPDATED, Dec. 7, 3:04 p.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the region from 4 p.m. today to 4 p.m. Thursday above 5,000 feet.
Carson City could see an inch of snow, the NWS (weather.gov) said.
Total snow accumulations of 2 to 7 inches are possible above 5,000 feet, with 4 to 8 inches above 7,000 feet. Isolated higher elevations above 9,000 feet may receive close to a foot.
Ridge top winds will gust between 50-70 mph.
“Snow levels will start around 6,000 feet late Wednesday afternoon and rapidly fall overnight into Thursday morning,” the NWS said in a statement posted at 2:16 p.m. Tuesday. “Even slushy roadways at lower elevations can create hazardous travel conditions.”
In a separate statement also posted Tuesday afternoon, the NWS said the next 10 days could be cooler and wetter.
“Confidence continues to increase in a series of cool winter storms Sunday-Wednesday next week that all together could bring large amounts of snow to the Sierra,” the statement said. “Even western Nevada valleys could see appreciable snowfall however there is less certainty on rain versus snow.
“While potential scenarios remain variable, it`s probably best to plan for possible prolonged travel disruptions during this timeframe and we recommend keeping a close eye on the forecast as the character and timing of these storms comes into better focus.”
CARSON CITY FORECAST
Today: A 30 percent chance of rain after 4 p.m. Snow level 7,500 feet. Partly sunny, with a high near 55. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tonight: Rain before 4 a.m., then rain and snow. Snow level 7,000 feet lowering to 6,200 feet after midnight. Low around 30. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Thursday: Rain and snow before 10 a.m., then a slight chance of snow. High near 42. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Thursday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 15. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 38.
Friday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 16.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 47.
Saturday night: A slight chance of snow after 4 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 25.
Sunday: A chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 47.
Sunday night: Rain and snow likely. Snow level 4,600 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28.
Monday: Rain and snow. Snow level rising to 5,100 feet in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44.
INITIAL POST:
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Carson City for Wednesday night through Thursday night.
Lower valleys could see up to 3 inches of snow while areas above 5,000 feet could see up to 6 inches, with 8 inches possible “where lake-effect bands set up,” the NWS (weather.gov) statement said. Wind gusts up to 40 mph also are possible.
Once the snow tops falling, temperatures will drop, with overnight lows Friday into the single digits.
In total, the watch covers greater Reno-Carson City-Minden, Mineral and southern Lyon counties, and western Nevada basin and range including Pyramid Lake.
“Snow levels begin around 6,500 feet Wednesday evening before rapidly falling to valley floors overnight into Thursday morning,” the NWS statement said.
“Much colder conditions will follow … (with) brisk northwest wind gusts of 10-20 mph making it feel even colder. Overnight lows Friday night will drop into the teens and single digits across the region, with below zero temperatures in the colder valleys.”
Hazardous conditions could impact commutes.
“If traveling consider alternate plans, remember to carry tire chains, extra food, water and clothing,” the NWS said. “Once the storm arrives, travel may be difficult or impossible for an extended period.”
CARSON CITY FORECAST
Tuesday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 29. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 54. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Wednesday night: Rain before 5 p.m., then rain and snow likely. Snow level 6,600 feet lowering to 5,900 feet after midnight . Low around 31. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Thursday: Rain and snow likely, becoming all snow after 8 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Thursday night: A 20 percent chance of snow before 11 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 16. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light west in the evening.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 38.
Friday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 17.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 47.
Saturday night: A slight chance of snow after 5 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 25.
Sunday: A chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 47.
Sunday night: A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28.
Monday: Rain and snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44.
