Scott Neuffer/Dark storm clouds rolling over the foothills of south Carson on Friday afternoon.
High winds whipping the Carson City area Friday afternoon were harbingers of a powerful storm cycle expected to deliver snow to the mountains and rain to valley floors through the weekend.
A high wind warning issued by the National Weather Service was in effect through Saturday afternoon.
“South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph,” the warning said. “Wind prone areas may reach gusts of 80 mph. Peak winds will occur between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.”
The warning noted the possibility of downed trees and power lines and widespread power outages.
“Now is the time to secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture, holiday decorations and trash cans before winds increase which could blow these items away. The best thing to do is prepare ahead of time by making sure you have extra food and water on hand, flashlights with spare batteries and/or candles in the event of a power outage,” the warning said.
NWS forecasting Friday showed the first wave of the storm dropping snow in the high Sierra Friday night then descending closer to valley floors Saturday morning.
“The snow levels gradually fall to 5,500-6,000' for the Tahoe Basin Saturday morning with snow impacting the Sierra passes and communities near lake level. Above 7,000' snowfall totals will be between 1-2 feet with the highest peaks nearing 3 feet. Lower elevation Sierra locales such as Truckee, South Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes will most likely see 1-4" with a 10-30% chance of 6+" through Saturday,” according to the NWS.
The weather service predicted a break in the cycle late Saturday into Sunday “before more gusty winds, rain and snow showers arrive late Sunday night into Monday morning.”
This second wave could bring an additional two feet of snow to the Sierra crest with a slight chance of snow grazing the valleys of Western Nevada. Showers were expected to “linger” into Tuesday with another chance of light snow touching valleys Tuesday night, according to the NWS.
As for the holiday, the forecasting showed Thanksgiving dry and cold with a high of 42 degrees Fahrenheit.
For Nevada road conditions, visit https://www.nvroads.com/.