Strong winds and Sierra snow are set to impact travel across the Reno-Tahoe region through early Thursday, according to the National Weather Service in Reno.
Forecasters say damaging wind gusts could create hazardous conditions by air, road and on area lakes, with the strongest winds expected between late Wednesday evening and early Thursday morning.
A high wind warning remains in effect until 11 a.m. Thursday for the greater Reno-Carson City-Minden area, where winds of 30 to 40 mph are expected with gusts up to 60 mph. Wind-prone areas along U.S. 395 and Interstate 580, including Washoe Valley, could see gusts up to 80 mph.
The winds may down trees and power lines, leading to possible outages and difficult travel, especially for high-profile vehicles.
How much snow could fall in Tahoe?
In the Sierra, snow will continue through early Thursday, with higher elevations around Lake Tahoe expected to pick up another foot of accumulation. Snow levels are forecast to drop to valley floors overnight, though most lower elevations in western Nevada are expected to see little to no accumulation.
Travel over Sierra passes could be difficult, especially overnight into Thursday morning.
Wind gusts along Sierra ridges have already reached around 80 mph, with stronger gusts expected to develop across lower elevations later Wednesday. The highest-impact window for damaging winds is between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
By Thursday, conditions turn cooler and drier, with highs mainly in the 40s and 50s and lingering breezy winds.
A sharp drop in temperatures is expected Thursday night into early Friday, with widespread freezing conditions. Lows will fall into the teens and 20s in the Sierra and higher valleys, and into the 20s to near 30 degrees in lower valleys.
Warmer weather returns heading into the weekend, with highs climbing into the 70s in western Nevada by Sunday and Monday under dry conditions.
Another, weaker storm system could arrive as early as Tuesday, bringing a slight chance of showers and a return to more typical early April temperatures.
Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items and prepare for possible power outages.
Reno forecast
Wednesday, April 1: Showers likely, high near 56, windy with gusts up to 45 mph. Low around 35.
Thursday, April 2: Sunny, high near 53, breezy with gusts up to 35 mph. Low around 29.
Friday, April 3: Sunny, high near 61, lighter winds. Low around 34.
Saturday, April 4: Sunny, high near 69. Low around 39.
Sunday, April 5: Mostly sunny, high near 74. Low around 43.
Monday, April 6: Mostly sunny, high near 74. Low around 42.
Tuesday, April 7: Mostly sunny, high near 70.
Tahoe forecast
Strong winds, Sierra snow bring travel impacts to Reno region
