Blizzard conditions could hit Sierra Nevada, forecasters say

RENO, Nev. – Weather forecasters in northern Nevada are warning of possible blizzard conditions and near-zero visibility overnight in the Sierra Nevada due to blowing snow and gusty winds.

Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Hannah DeGoey (de-GOY’) says the storm is expected to crest the mountains Tuesday afternoon and last until Wednesday, affecting Thanksgiving holiday travel on key highways including Interstate 80.

National Weather Service meteorologist Wendell Hohmann says conditions are expected to deteriorate overnight, with temperatures dropping, snow accumulating to up to 8 inches (20 centimetres) and winds gusting to 100 mph (161 kph).

Hohmann says cold air blowing across comparatively warm Lake Tahoe is expected to create lake-effect snow in Nevada’s Washoe Valley including Reno and Sparks, Carson City and Minden.

He says snow could fall as far south as Bishop, California.