A large winter storm is hitting the area on Tuesday, bringing snow, winds, and likely travel delays.
Low-lying areas like Reno will avoid the worst of it, but the western Sierra will see heavy snowfall to very low elevations through Thursday, and the Greater Lake Tahoe area is subject to a wintry weather advisory.
While Truckee will only see about seven inches of snow, just above Donner Pass, Blue Canyon should see about 30 inches.
South Lake Tahoe will receive about a foot of fresh snow, while Kebors, a small community on the west side of Echo Pass, could see two feet of snow.
In the eastern Sierra, up to nine inches of snow is expected at higher elevations, three to five inches below 7,000 feet. Thunder is also possible.
In Reno, the storm will manifest as blizzards and gusty winds. Highs will remain in the 30s through Saturday, and will reach the mid-40s on Sunday.
Winds in excess of 100 mph along the Sierra Summit. Lower elevations may see winds of 40 to 55 mph as the cold front blows. Wind chills in the exposed areas of the Sierra are expected to reach -30 degrees.
Winds are expected to cause impacts on air and ground travel, including large patches of flying dust.
The weather conditions will continue through Wednesday and Thursday.
Chances of snowfall are possible during Thursday night. A third round of snow is likely from Friday through Saturday, stretching from the eastern Sierra as far north as Interstate 80.
Amy Alonzo covers the outdoors, recreation and environment of Nevada and Lake Tahoe. You can access it ataalonzo@gannett.com.
