Heavy storms walloped Tahoe on Sunday, bringing a thick layer of snow and harmful driving circumstances.
The snowfall — the second main dousing this season — arrived late Saturday on the heels of a low-pressure system transferring northeast from the Bay Space to Tahoe, meteorologists mentioned. One other storm is predicted to maneuver in Sunday from the coastal California-Oregon border.
Including to drivers’ woes, the storm introduced heavy winds, with speeds reaching 40 mph close to Lake Tahoe and gusts between 80 and 100 mph on the Sierra ridge, the National Weather Service reported noon Sunday.
The storm methods herald main Sierra snow — excellent news for skiers, however unhealthy information for drivers hoping to traverse mountain roads all through the day Sunday.
The Nationwide Climate Service issued a winter climate advisory for the realm that runs via 4 a.m. Monday.
“Journey may very well be very troublesome to not possible,” NWS meteorologists warned. “Very sturdy winds may trigger tree injury.”
The colder air introduced snow to decrease elevations Sunday morning. Tahoe’s west slope may accumulate between 1 to three toes of snow by the top of the day on the highest factors alongside Interstate 80, whereas South Lake Tahoe may see as much as 1½ toes of snow.
A live webcam on Interstate 80 at Kingvale Sunday morning confirmed a thick layer of snow protecting the roadway, with automobiles and vehicles touring at low speeds to keep away from slippage. Temperatures within the space remained beneath freezing.
NWS meteorologists cautioned drivers to “keep away from journey if attainable” and to deliver an emergency package with additional meals, water and clothes when heading out on the roads.
The weekend’s heavy storm system arrived simply days after December’s first Sierra snow, which delivered round a foot and a half to ski and snowboard resorts, together with Kirkwood, Heavenly and Palisades at Tahoe. As a lot as 4-feet accrued on the highest peaks.
On Thursday, the snow created white-out driving circumstances and prompted spin-outs, chain controls and a multiple-hour closure on Interstate 80.
Skiers rejoiced within the bounty, regardless of the troublesome driving circumstances.
“The mountains appeared beautiful wearing a recent coat of snow, however mom nature was not afraid to present us just a few challenges,” Palisades Tahoe wrote on its blog.
Nora Mishanec is a San Francisco Chronicle workers author. E-mail: nora.mishanec@sfchronicle.com
