Carson City to see rain but no slush this weekend

A wet weekend is expected for Carson City, with an estimated inch and a half of rainfall through Monday.

Percentages of precipitation vary over the weekend, with the highest percentage (a 50% chance) expected between Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Come Monday, the storm is expected to taper off, with Carson City seeing a 20% chance of rain.

“Then we’re going to see some more rain starting Tuesday,” said meteorologist Gigi Giralte at the National Weather Service in Reno.

Giralte said the main issue for Western Nevada valleys is the amount of rainfall that is expected; however, flooding isn’t likely.

“We are mostly concerned about flooding in northeast California,” Giralte said. “There’s potential for some increased ponding, like on roadways.”

The storm isn’t expected to transition into snow in the valleys.

“The highest peaks in the Sierra will be seeing snow. The snow levels are above 8,000 feet for much of Saturday and Sunday,” Giralte said.

A winter weather advisory is in effect for the Tahoe Basin through 10 p.m. Saturday. Giralte said elevations above 7,000 feet could see between 6-12 inches of snow. The storm is expected to continue in the upper elevations, with 1-2 feet of snow expected through Monday evening.

While a wind watch doesn’t include the Tahoe Basin, Carson City is prone to wind gusts starting Sunday.

“We could see some really strong southwest winds with gusts up to 65 mph for those wind-prone areas,” Giralte said. “Ridgetops could be seeing winds up to 100 mph.”

As with any windstorm, power outages could go into effect. To prepare for outages, NV Energy recommends:

• Call 911 if you encounter a downed power line, and do not approach or touch the line.

• Create an emergency kit that includes a blanket, flashlight, batteries and first aid supplies. Store these items in a water-tight container.

• If you are experiencing an outage, keep refrigerators and freezers closed to reduce food spoilage. If unopened and full, food can last for two days.

“In preparation, we have increased the number of personnel in our service territories throughout the weekend to respond quickly and safely throughout the state,” an NV Energy news release said.

To report an outage, visit nvenergy.com/outageprep or call 775-834-4444

With the wind and the winter weather advisory, motorists should be advised about travel difficulties especially over the Sierras.

For current road conditions, go to nvroads.com

THE FORECAST

Friday: Rain likely, mainly after 1 p.m. Snow level 5,300 feet rising to 7,900 feet in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Friday night: Rain. Snow level 7,700 feet. Low around 35. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday: Rain. High near 53. Breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Saturday night: Rain. Low around 38. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Sunday: Rain. High near 55. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Sunday night: Rain likely, mainly before 10 p.m. Snow level 7,600 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Breezy, with a southwest wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday: A 50 percent chance of rain. Snow level 7,000 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54. Breezy.

Monday night: Rain likely. Snow level 6,800 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Tuesday: Rain. Snow level 6,700 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49.

Tuesday night: Rain likely before 1 a.m., then rain likely, possibly mixed with snow. Snow level 6,100 feet lowering to 5,100 feet after midnight . Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23.

Wednesday: Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42.

Wednesday night: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19.

Thursday: A chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 41.