South Lake Tahoe, CA — A powerful winter system is pounding the Greater Lake Tahoe region with heavy snow and extreme winds, triggering a Winter Storm Warning through 11 p.m. Monday, followed by a Winter Weather Advisory lasting until 11 p.m. Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Reno, snowfall totals are expected to reach 1 to 2 feet below 6,500 feet and up to 3 feet at the highest elevations. Ridge gusts may top 100 mph, with wind gusts up to 40 mph on Lake Tahoe, producing 2 to 3-foot waves. The advisory continues into Tuesday with additional snow totals of 4 to 11 inches below 6,500 feet and gusts up to 45 mph.
The weather is expected to significantly impact travel throughout Alpine, El Dorado, and Placer counties. Difficult to impossible road conditions may develop, especially during Monday and Tuesday commutes. Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and carry emergency kits, including flashlights, food, and water.
The storm is also affecting Lassen, Eastern Plumas, and Eastern Sierra counties, where similar snowfall totals and strong wind gusts are forecast above 5,500 feet west of U.S. Highway 395.
