Winter storm brings second big snow of 2024

A winter storm is close to living up to the name on Sunday morning as snow fell across Western Nevada.

As of 9:30 a.m., 4.5 inches had fallen in Genoa, mostly after dawn. Fredericksburg resident Jeff Garvin reported 3.5 inches at 6:30 a.m.

Road conditions were slick across Carson Valley, with deputies reporting a handful of minor wrecks during the morning.

Chain or snow tires are being required on Highway 395 from Reno to Bridgeport. Highway 88 has chain controls from Minden south to Fairview Lane and again from Mesa Vista over the mountain.

According to the automated weather station at Minden-Tahoe Airport, snow started falling at around 1 a.m. and continued steadily through the morning. Visibility was regularly down to a quarter mile with heavy snow and freezing fog.

A winter storm warning remains in effect for much of Western Nevada through 10 p.m. today.

Forecasters predict snow levels will rise to 5,000-5,500 feet this afternoon changing to showers with a rain-snow mix.

The storm warning is in effect from Yreka in northern California out to central Nevada including all of Nye County.

An avalanche warning is in effect for the Greater Lake Tahoe and Mono County until 7 a.m. Monday.

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A 24-hour winter storm warning has been issued across Western Nevada, including Carson Valley, starting 10 p.m. Saturday due to a forecast atmospheric river.

The warning was issued 2:43 p.m. Friday, even as the current storm brought snow showers to Genoa.

“Snow accumulations between 2- 6 inches between 5,500 feet and valley floors,” the warning said. “Snow accumulations up to 3 feet along the highest peaks. Winds gusting as high as 85 mph along Sierra ridges, with valleys seeing gusts 25 to 40 mph.”

Snowfall rates of up to 2 inches an hour are possible at times, according to the warning.

The warning includes all of Douglas, Mono, Alpine, Mineral, and much of southern Lyon County.

Forecasters are predicting an atmospheric river’s arrival on Saturday night.

Alpine County officials are recommending that residents limit travel due to anticipated heavy snow and lower visibility.

“Due to potential road closures and public safety access, it is requested that you limit travel during this period,” Alpine spokesman JT Chevallier said on Friday afternoon.

The California Department of Transportation asked motorists to avoid travel until the storm subsides. Those who do travel should be prepared for winter driving conditions.

NV Energy issued a statement that they are expecting heavy wet snow throughout the region Sunday through Monday.

Spokeswoman Meghin Delaney said the company is placing extra crews on standby in preparation for any outages.

She urged customers to visit nvenergy.com to check on the status of outages in their area.