South Lake Tahoe, CA – A winter weather advisory remains in effect for the Greater Lake Tahoe area, with snow and strong winds expected to make travel hazardous through Saturday morning. Residents and travelers are urged to prepare for delays and dangerous road conditions.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), snow levels will drop to 6,000 feet, with accumulations of 2 to 8 inches in lower elevations west of Highway 89. The highest peaks could see up to 20 inches of snow. Winds gusting up to 140 mph along ridges and 55 mph at lower elevations will reduce visibility and pose a risk of tree damage.
Key travel routes, including Highway 50 and Interstate 80, are likely to experience chain controls and heavy delays. Drivers are advised to carry tire chains and emergency supplies, as conditions could worsen overnight. Those venturing near Lake Tahoe should also expect high winds generating waves of up to 4 feet, creating hazardous conditions for small watercraft.
Saturday’s forecast calls for intermittent snow showers throughout the day, with highs reaching only the mid-20s. Wind chills will make outdoor activity challenging. The storm is expected to clear by Saturday evening, but lingering icy conditions may persist into Sunday morning.
Travelers planning to cross the Sierra Nevada should check Caltrans updates and prepare for potential closures or reroutes. The five-day outlook predicts calmer weather starting Sunday afternoon, with sunny but cold days leading into next week.
Stay alert to weather updates and consider delaying non-essential travel until conditions improve. Safety remains a top priority during this winter storm.
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