UPDATE: Carson schools, WNC close campuses due to incoming storm

UPDATE, Tuesday, Jan. 26, 3:43 p.m.

All schools in the Carson City School District will be closed for the entire day Wednesday, the school district said in an email Tuesday afternoon.

“All employees, students and teachers should remain home,” the email said. “No student activities, school-work or programs will occur, including remote instruction. This includes school-course assignments, homework, afterschool programs and practices. No school services such as transportation, nutrition or student health will be provided.

“Per instruction from the Nevada Department of Education, Snow Days are not considered ‘days in school’ regardless of the digital ability to provide remote instruction. Consequently, neither teachers nor students are expected to participate in remote learning activities during a snow day. Additionally, there is a possibility that snow days may need to be made up before the end of the school year.”

UPDATE Tuesday, Jan. 26, 3:30 p.m.

Western Nevada College announced Tuesday afternoon that its Carson City, Fallon and Douglas campuses will be closed for in-person classes and in-person services on Wednesday.

Classes will continue online and campus services are available remotely.

For more information, visit https://www.wnc.edu/.

UPDATE, Tuesday, Jan. 26, noon

The National Weather Service has increased the forecast snow totals for the incoming storm, now predicting 8-16 inches of accumulation below 5,000 feet and 18-30 inches above 5,000 feet.

INITIAL STORY

Carson City could see up to 8 inches of snow from a storm forecast to begin moving into the area Tuesday night, according to the National Weather Service.

A winter storm watch has been issued for the “Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area,” the NWS reports on its website (weather.gov) beginning at 10 p.m. Tuesday and continuing through 4 p.m. Thursday.

Wednesday could start with snow, change to rain during the day then back to snow at night.

“Total snow accumulations of 4-8 inches below 5,000 feet, with 8 to 16 inches above 5,000 feet possible,” the NWS said. “Higher amounts are possible in foothill locations along and west of Highway 395. Winds could gust up to 50 mph at times.”

The NWS warns of hazardous weather conditions and “very dangerous travel conditions” with the storm.

“Lake effect snow bands from Lake Tahoe could bring localized higher (snow) totals,” the NWS said. “After heavy snow Wednesday morning, the lowest valleys of Western Nevada (4,800 feet and below) could see a changeover to rain or a rain/snow mix in the afternoon before returning to snow again Wednesday night.”

THE FORECAST

Monday night: A 20 percent chance of snow before 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 11. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 36. Light west wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Tuesday night: Snow likely, mainly after 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Wednesday: Snow before 1 p.m., then rain and snow. High near 42. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Wednesday night: Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 10 p.m. Low around 28. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Thursday: Snow before 10 a.m., then rain and snow. High near 41. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Thursday night: Snow, mainly before 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Friday: A chance of snow, mainly before 10 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 39.

Friday night: A slight chance of snow after 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21.

Saturday: A chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 43.

Saturday night: A slight chance of snow. Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Sunday: A chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 43.