Reno, Nevada – A major winter weather event is expected to impact the Sierra beginning Christmas Eve and lasting through Friday morning, creating dangerous travel conditions across the region, according to the National Weather Service in Reno.
Forecasters have assigned this system a 4 out of 5 risk level, citing periods of heavy snow and strong, gusty winds. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for northeast California, the Greater Tahoe Region, and Mono County from 10 p.m. Tuesday through 10 a.m. Friday. A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for the Greater Tahoe Region through 4 p.m. Tuesday.
The most affected period will be from Christmas Eve through early Friday, when snow levels may fall to valley floors, potentially impacting travel around western Nevada valleys and foothills. Impacts are expected to include slick roads, chain controls, and significant travel delays.
The National Weather Service strongly recommends completing Christmas travel by Tuesday, before storms arrive. If travel is unavoidable later in the week, drivers should prepare for slowdowns, road closures, reduced visibility, and rapidly changing conditions.
Overall, this storm poses a high-impact winter travel threat, especially for anyone planning to cross Sierra passes between Wednesday night and Friday morning.
