[SIERA] Special Weather Statement for Carson City, NV

[Dick Flanagan]

Special Weather Statement
Statement as of 3:03 PM PST on March 02, 2009

...Winter storm to affect the area through Wednesday...

A persistent and deep area of low pressure off the Pacific
northwest coastline will help generate periods of rain and snow
across western Nevada and northeastern California through
Wednesday morning. The two primary impacts will be from wind and
snow, though thunderstorms are possible this evening.

* Winds: southwest winds with gusts of 40 to 45 mph will continue
   across much of western Nevada through this evening. For areas
   that don't receive rainfall, this will result in blowing dust
   and reduced visibilities down to one half mile. People traveling
   along I-80 and highways 50 and 95 will want to be prepared for
   encountering blowing dust.

* Thunderstorms: isolated thunderstorms are possible through this
   evening across much of the area. The best chances for storms are
   east of a Markleeville to Reno line. These fast moving storms
   will produce a brief period of heavy rain, gusty winds, and
   possibly some small hail.

* Snowfall potential: after a period of rain, snow levels are
   expected to fall to valley floors tonight across eastern
   California and far western Nevada, with rain changing to snow in
   Fallon and Lovelock sometime Wednesday. Locations in the
   Surprise Valley may pick up a few inches of snow tonight and
   Tuesday. The best chances for accumulating snows in Reno and
   Carson City are Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night. 2 to 4
   inches of snow are possible. Further south into Mono County,
   storm total amounts of 5 to 10 inches are possible along Highway
   395, with a few feet in the highest elevations.

* Impacts: travelers along highways 395, 50, and 80 will want to
   monitor weather forecasts tonight through Wednesday, and be
   prepared for occasional travel delays and chain restrictions.
   The Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning commutes in Reno and
   Carson City will likely be impacted by snowfall. Winter weather
   advisories may eventually be needed for these areas.

Check our website at weather.Gov/Reno or listen to NOAA Weather
Radio for updates on this situation.

Cs
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC
dick at k7vc.com