Sierra Weather Alert!

...Big Changes in the Weather Pattern for This Weekend...

A strong cold front will push through the Sierra and western

Nevada on Friday bringing gusty winds, much colder temperatures,

and chances for rain and snow showers. This storm does appear to

herald in a pattern that may possibly stick around through much of

November with the potential for lingering cold temperatures and

maybe even additional chances for rain and snow.

WINDS: Winds will increase significantly Thursday night into Friday

morning with a quick burst of winds that may produce areas of

blowing dust, choppy lake conditions, as well as a brief period of

fire weather concerns. Gusts up to 45 mph are possible for most

areas, with up to 60 mph in wind prone spots, and up to 100 mph

for exposed areas along the Sierra Crest.

COLD: Afternoon temperatures will drop significantly from Friday to

Saturday, with western Nevada and Sierra valleys in the 30s and 40s.

Overnight lows will be well below freezing with a few single digit

and sub zero readings possible in the colder Sierra valleys.

PRECIPITATION: A quick burst of rain and snow is likely behind the

cold front Friday with a couple inches of snow possible above 6000

feet. While light snow showers are likely most of the weekend with

little accumulation, a second burst of accumulating snow may occur

Sunday morning. Sunday is currently the best shot at lower valley

snowfall accumulations.

If you haven`t put that winter travel kit in your car, then

now is the time make it happen. It`s that time of the year where

conditions can rapidly change along the Sierra passes so being in

tune with all the weather updates as well as Caltrans and NDOT

will save you a lot of headaches.