LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a winter weather advisory for the Lake Tahoe region, warning of wet snow, high winds, and hazardous travel conditions beginning Thursday afternoon through early Friday morning.
The advisory, updated Wednesday at 1:15 p.m., is in effect from 4 p.m. Thursday until 7 a.m. Friday, covering elevations above 7,500 feet where snowfall and strong wind gusts are likely to create treacherous mountain travel conditions.
Heavy Snow and Gusty Winds to Impact Travel
Forecasters expect wet snow above 8,000 feet, with accumulations of up to 6 inches at higher elevations and up to 4 inches between 7,500 and 8,000 feet. Along the highest Sierra peaks, wind gusts could reach 90 mph, while Sierra communities may experience 30–40 mph winds.
“Travel may be very difficult, especially across mountain passes such as Donner Pass, Carson Pass, and Ebbetts Pass,” the National Weather Service cautioned. “Strong winds could cause tree and power line damage. Drivers should prepare for rapidly changing conditions and poor visibility.”
On Lake Tahoe, winds may gust up to 40 mph, creating wave heights of 2 to 4 feet, which could make boating dangerous and cause shoreline erosion.
The advisory also warns that hazardous conditions could impact both the Thursday morning and evening commutes, especially for those traveling through mountain corridors.
Cold Front Brings Early Winter Conditions
This storm system marks one of the season’s first significant winter weather events in the Sierra Nevada. Forecasters note that colder temperatures and heavy precipitation are expected to continue intermittently through the weekend.
Motorists traveling through the region are advised to carry tire chains, check local forecasts, and avoid nonessential mountain travel during the storm’s peak hours.
National Weather Service Safety Guidance
According to the NWS, weather-related vehicle crashes claim more than 6,000 lives each year in the United States. The agency recommends exercising extreme caution when driving in snowy or icy conditions and offers the following safety tips:
- Slow down when road surfaces appear wet or slushy — assume ice may be present, especially near freezing temperatures.
- Avoid driving during strong winds when tree limbs or power lines could fall.
- Prepare your vehicle with winter supplies, including a scraper, jumper cables, flashlight, blanket, and extra food and water.
- Stay in your vehicle if stranded and signal for help using flashers or a cloth tied to your antenna or mirror.
- Give snow plows space to operate safely and only pass when visibility allows.
- Check road conditions before travel by calling 511 or visiting official state highway websites.
Looking Ahead
The winter weather advisory is expected to expire at 7 a.m. Friday, but additional snow showers could continue into the weekend as another weak system approaches Northern California.
Travelers and residents across the Tahoe Basin and Sierra passes are encouraged to stay informed through official NWS updates and local emergency channels as conditions evolve.
Stay tuned to HonkNews.com for verified weather alerts, travel advisories, and ongoing coverage of winter storms impacting the western United States.