Winter Storm Warnings Issued for California and Nevada with Heavy Snow and 90 mph Wind Gusts

The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Warnings for the Sierra Nevada in California and the Greater Lake Tahoe Area in Nevada. Heavy snow, potentially exceeding 20 inches, is expected at elevations above 6,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada, with up to 12 inches above 7,000 feet in Nevada. Dangerous wind gusts over 90 mph are forecast for mountain ridges, and 55 mph in Truckee and Lake Tahoe communities. Travel is anticipated to be very difficult to impossible, with risks of whiteout conditions, chain controls, and road closures. A Wind Advisory is also in effect for the north/central Sacramento Valley and Delta, with gusts up to 45 mph. Isolated thunderstorms are also possible in Northern California.