RENO, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — Northern Nevada’s first major winter storm of the season is bringing rain and strong winds to western Nevada, with heavy, wet snow expected in the Sierra through Friday evening.
The National Weather Service forecast calls for gusts of 45 to 55 mph in exposed valleys, with stronger gusts possible along U.S. 395 and the Sierra Crest. In the Tahoe Basin, snowfall rates could reach one to two inches per hour. Forecasters expect at least a foot of snow above 7,000 feet, with up to one to two feet along the Sierra Crest.
Reno is expected to see rain, while snow levels fall late Friday night. Higher foothill communities could see some snow, and travel impacts in the Sierra may continue after the storm begins to taper Saturday morning. The National Weather Service warned that conditions could make travel difficult, including during the Friday evening commute…