Reno, NV – A powerful winter storm is set to bring heavy snowfall and strong winds across the Sierra Nevada and surrounding regions through Friday night, potentially making travel treacherous.
According to the National Weather Service in Reno, snowfall will intensify late Wednesday night and continue through Friday at 10 p.m. Areas along and west of Highway 395 could see 1 to 3 feet of snow, with higher elevations near the Sierra crest accumulating up to 5 feet. Ridge winds could gust up to 100 mph, creating whiteout conditions.
The hardest-hit areas include Lassen, Plumas, and Eastern Sierra counties, as well as the Greater Lake Tahoe region and Mono County. The storm could bring 2 to 4 feet of snow in Tahoe, with waves reaching 4 feet on Lake Tahoe. Mammoth Lakes and Bridgeport may see similar totals.
Authorities warn that travel will be “very difficult to impossible” in many areas, particularly over mountain passes such as Yuba Pass and Fredonyer Summit. Road closures and delays are likely, especially during peak snowfall periods Thursday morning and afternoon.
Drivers are advised to carry emergency supplies, including flashlights, food, and water. For the latest road conditions, call 511 before traveling.
