Northern Nevada expects cold, gusty winds, snow much of week

RENO, Nev. (AP) - Colder weather, strong gusty winds and periods of snow are expected much of the week across parts of northern Nevada, including Lake Tahoe, where more than a foot (30 centimeters) of snow is possible Tuesday into Wednesday along the ridge of the Sierra.

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement Monday for the Reno area through Thursday. It stretches through the Sierra to south of Yosemite National Park, as far north as Susanville, California and east to Lovelock.

A high-wind advisory is in effect through 7 p.m. Monday with gusts in excess of 55 mph (88 kph) possible in Reno and Carson City and parts of Mineral and Lyon counties. Gusts nearing 75 mph (125 kph) are possible in the southern Sierra along the California-Nevada line from Bridgeport to Mammoth Lakes, California.

A winter storm watch goes into effect for the Lake Tahoe area Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning, with up to a foot (30 cm) of snow possible at lake level and up to 18 inches (45 cm) at elevations above 7,000 feet (2,133 meters).

Up to 4 inches (10 cm) of snow is possible east of U.S. Highway 395.

“Travel could be very difficult,” the service said.