Las Vegas, NV – Travel above 5,000 feet across southern Nevada and the Eastern Sierra will grow increasingly dangerous through Wednesday night as multiple rounds of heavy snow and wind slam mountain passes.
According to the National Weather Service in Las Vegas, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 10 p.m. Wednesday for the Spring Mountains, Sheep Range, Red Rock Canyon, Esmeralda and Central Nye counties in Nevada, along with California’s Eastern Sierra Slopes and White Mountains of Inyo County.
In the Spring Mountains, including Mt. Charleston and Red Rock Canyon, snow totals will exceed 2 feet above 9,000 feet, with 1 to 2 feet above 7,000 feet and up to a foot as low as 5,000 feet. Winds may gust to 50 mph, creating whiteout conditions. A brief lull Tuesday morning will give way to heavier snowfall Tuesday night into Wednesday.
Along the Eastern Sierra Slopes near Whitney Portal and Aspendell, more than 3 feet of snow is possible above 8,000 feet, with gusts reaching 70 mph and visibility dropping below a quarter mile. In Esmeralda and Nye counties, 5 to 10 inches of snow could make Highway 266 over Lida Summit and portions of Highway 95 slick and hazardous.
Officials urge drivers to delay travel. If travel is unavoidable, carry food, water and a flashlight, and check 511 for road conditions. Warnings remain in effect through Wednesday night, and additional advisories could follow as the second wave intensifies.
