More snow to come; dry weather a blessing to some

Monday's dusting of snow was just a preview of what's to come tonight and into Wednesday.

Today should be partly sunny, with a high near 41, according to the National Weather Service. Tonight brings a 30 percent chance of snow after 10 p.m.

Between 1 and 2 inches of snow is likely Wednesday, with a high near 42. Wind gusts could be as high as 55 mph.

Snowfall should taper off by Thursday, with highs Friday near 50, and mid-50-degree temperatures into the weekend.

Monday's storm dumped about a foot of snow in the Sierra. Four inches of snow was reported at Incline Village and in the Washoe Valley.

Carson City got an inch.

Two accidents were reported in Carson City by the Nevada Highway Patrol. Trooper Chuck Allen reminded drivers to be cautious as snow continues to fall.

"Motorists should allow more time for their travel and create a greater and safer following distance with other vehicles," he said.

The storm marks one of a handful during a record-dry winter.

Although the lack of moisture has some concerned, it has had it benefits.

"It's been a good winter for building," said Mike Mitchell, who is overseeing construction work for the Carson City School District as part of the bond passed by voters last year. "The good weather has been a godsend for us."

Overall, he said, just four days of construction were lost at Eagle Valley Middle School.

"That goes clear back to the first rainstorms," he said.

At Empire Elementary School, no days have been lost.

"We got all the ground work done there before we got any of this weather," he said.

At Empire Elementary School, where two wings are being added along with other renovations, the construction is on schedule, Mitchell said.

"One of the wings is roofed and framed, and we're starting to Sheetrock," he said. "In the east wing, we should be ready to put up Sheetrock in the next two weeks."

It should be complete by the first of August.

At Eagle Valley Middle School, Mitchell said, work is about 30 percent complete. He said the new gym will be ready by Aug. 1, and administration offices should be ready by late August.

"Everything associated with kids will be ready on the first day of school," he said.