Reno, Nevada – A powerful winter storm continues to batter the Sierra Nevada, bringing extreme snowfall, damaging winds, and life-threatening travel conditions across eastern California and the Lake Tahoe region through Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Reno, Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area, Mono County, and portions of Lassen, Plumas, and eastern Sierra counties. Heavy snow and intense winds are ongoing, with conditions expected to remain dangerous through at least Friday morning.
In the Lake Tahoe Basin, communities including South Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Tahoe City, Incline Village, and Stateline could see 1 to 2 feet of snow at lake level, with 3 to 6 feet piling up above 7,000 feet. Winds along the highest ridges are gusting near 100 mph, with 50 mph gusts possible in town and on Lake Tahoe, increasing the risk of downed trees and power outages.
Mono County is facing the most extreme impacts. Mammoth Lakes, Lee Vining, Bridgeport, and Coleville may see 4 to 6 feet of snow above 8,000 feet, with 1 to 3 feet even at lower elevations and along U.S. Highway 395. Winds up to 60 mph along the highway could produce prolonged whiteout conditions.
Farther north, areas around Susanville, Portola, Loyalton, Sierraville, and Westwood are dealing with a mix of heavy snow at higher elevations and gusty winds in the valleys. Snow levels are dropping toward 4,500 feet, allowing accumulating snow to reach more communities by Christmas Day.
Officials strongly discourage non-essential travel. Drivers who must be on the roads should carry emergency supplies and check 511 for the latest closures, as conditions may remain hazardous even after snowfall tapers Friday morning.
