textproduct: Reno

KEY MESSAGES

* The most impactful part of the winter storm is ongoing and will persist through tonight. Travel is highly discouraged in the Sierra as periods of whiteout conditions are likely.

* For western Nevada, snow is ongoing and will pile on several inches of snowfall creating hazardous travel for the evening commute. * Cold conditions and scattered snow showers will keep roads slick through the Wednesday morning commute, with the next round of snow on the way for Thursday.

DISCUSSION

We're digging into the main course of the storm right now with multiple reports of snow rates from 1"/hour across western Nevada, even in Reno, and 3-4"/hour observed near Donner Pass in the Sierra. Also, there is a risk for thunderstorms with very heavy snow and lightning from 12pm-6pm. Be aware of rapidly changing conditions, especially if you are in the backcountry during this storm. Impacts are a plenty across the Sierra and western Nevada from last night into today with plentiful road closures and incidents, chain restrictions, school/city/county closures and we've even seen reports of businesses closing up early to avoid the ever-worsening road conditions as of 11AM today. This snow will continue through the evening across the region with no signs of a break until well after midnight.

Plan on hazardous road conditions, poor visibility due to falling and blowing snow, and even periods of white out conditions in locally heavy snow through late tonight.

By Wednesday, plan on variable road conditions for the morning commute. While snow will be over for many locations, the road conditions won't be any better than we leave them tonight. Western NV will likely have a decent break in the action, but the Sierra will still receive off/on showers during the day. Our next storm is already lining up to barrel through the region for early Thursday morning. Plan on additional snow accumulations in the Sierra with up to an additional foot possible, while another 3-8" of snow could fall in the Tahoe Basin, western Mono County and northeast CA. Western NV snow amounts will be less than with this ongoing storm, but still shovel-able with a 10-20% chance of 2+ inches for far western NV locations.

For Friday and Saturday, it looks like a good day to assess any storm damage and clear areas out. We are looking at some early strong signals for another storm for early next week, with arrival as early as Sunday night. Plan on another round of gusty winds, Sierra snow, and possibly some valley rain as this is a wetter, more mild system for now.

-Edan

AVIATION

* Sierra terminals (KTVL, KTRK, KMMH): Major aviation impacts including airport closures continue through late tonight with prolonged periods of IFR/LIFR conditions, snow covered runways and gusty-strong winds producing blowing snow, widespread turbulence and shear. * Western NV terminals (KRNO, KCXP, KMEV): Widespread aviation impacts are expected until 04-06Z this evening with nearly continuous snow producing periods of IFR or LIFR conditions, and surface gusts near 35 kt. 40-60% chance for runway accumulations at least 4" at the main terminals.

Conditions improve temporarily for Wednesday, but another quick storm may bring another round of snow and wind impacts on Thursday. Snow Probabilities for Thursday KMMH/KTVL/KTRK 35% chance of 4", while KRNO/CXP/KMEV 10-15% chance of 2".

-Edan

AVALANCHE

Our major, multi-day winter storm continues with impacts to all avalanche center terrain through Wednesday.

* Snowfall totals and rates: Through early Wednesday morning, 1-3 feet of snow along the crest, with locally up to 4 feet along the highest peaks. Heaviest snowfall rates will be through the evening, with rates of 3-4"/hr across most avalanche center terrain (localized rates of 3+"/hr in southern Mono county). This is due to the higher SLRs.

* SLRs and SWE: Expect SLRs of 14-16:1 due to colder air moving into the area. SWE of 1-3" through early Wednesday morning, with up to 3.5" along the highest peaks, mainly in southern Mono county.

* Ridgetop gusts: Southwest winds of 70-90 mph through much of today with localized gusts exceeding 100+ mph through Wednesday morning.

* Next storm pushes in Thursday with a quick additional bump of 0.50- 1.00 SWE and 8-16 inches of snow. Southwest wind gusts 60-80 mph with gusts 90+ mph through early Friday morning.

-Giralte/Edan

REV Watches/Warnings/Advisories

NV...Winter Weather Advisory until 4 AM PST Wednesday NVZ001-004-005.

Winter Storm Warning until 7 AM PST Wednesday NVZ002.

Winter Weather Advisory from 4 AM to 10 PM PST Thursday NVZ002.

Winter Storm Warning until 4 AM PST Wednesday NVZ003.

CA...Winter Weather Advisory until 4 AM PST Wednesday CAZ070.

Winter Storm Warning until 7 AM PST Wednesday CAZ071>073.

Winter Weather Advisory from 4 AM to 10 PM PST Thursday CAZ071>073.