Today’s Calm Before the Storm
The National Weather Service in Reno, NV, reports light winds, clear skies, and near-seasonal temperatures today—a brief reprieve before a series of storms bring significant weather changes.
High Winds Expected Wednesday
Wednesday will see a surge of strong southwesterly winds, particularly in the Sierra ridges, where gusts may reach 90+ mph by midday. In western Nevada valleys, wind-prone areas could experience gusts between 45-55 mph, leading to potential travel difficulties. Ridge winds are expected to taper off somewhat overnight but remain elevated through the day.
Mountain Snow and Travel Concerns
Snowfall is projected for the Sierra, with a 70% chance of 3+ inches accumulating at Donner Pass by Wednesday evening. Carson and Ebbetts passes could see around 0.5-1″ of snow, and light accumulations are possible at lake level in the Tahoe Basin. Road conditions may quickly deteriorate, so travelers should check updates on nvroads.com or quickmap.dot.ca.gov.
Unsettled Weather Into the Weekend