Storm bringing high winds

A storm rolling into the region has prompted a high wind watch for the east slope of the Sierra on Sunday.

The National Weather Service issued the watch for possible strong winds this afternoon.

Winds with gusts of 45-60 mph are possible in the Lake Tahoe basin and across Western Nevada west of a line formed by Pyramid Lake and Hawthorne.

Strong winds could affect travel along highways 50, 395, 95 and Interstate 80.

The watch goes into effect on Sunday morning and lasts until Sunday evening.

Southwest to west winds of 20-35 mph are expected, with gusts higher than 60 mph in wind-prone areas.

The high winds could damage trees and fences. Loose objects like patio furniture should be tied down or brought indoors.

The wind will be the harbinger of a cold front due to arrive on Sunday. Heavy rain is expected in the northern Sierra, where rainfall amounts of up to an inch are possible. There's a chance for more rain along and west of Highway 89 and north of Highway 50.

Forecasters are predicting rainfall should be below a quarter inch in most places.