Sierra Storm Could Bring More Than 2 Feet Of Snow By Monday

RENO, Nev. (AP) — A pair of late winter storms packing heavy snow and high winds are headed for the Sierra and Lake Tahoe this weekend, with wind gusts as strong as 90 mph possible over the ridge tops.

The National Weather Service issued a worsening forecast Friday, including more than 2 feet (60 centimeters) of snow possible near the Sierra crest above the lake by early Monday.

A winter storm watch goes into effect Saturday afternoon through Monday morning for the Tahoe area and parts of Northern California in the Sierra stretching as far north as Susanville and as far south as Mammoth Lakes.

Between 6 and 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) of snow is expected around the lake, up to 2 feet (60 cm) above elevations of 7,000 feet (2,133 meters) and possibly more at the highest elevations.

Travel could be difficult with "very long delays" possible on Interstate 80 and U.S. Highways 50 and 88 over mountain passes, the service said.

Snow will begin in the Sierra Saturday. Some light showers are possible across western Nevada Saturday with a period of rain and snow likely Sunday into early Monday, the service said. The heaviest snow is expected Sunday.