A snowstorm is hitting the Greater Lake Tahoe area.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning lasting through Tuesday night in the Sierra Nevada. The snow should get up to eight feet in higher elevations along with strong winds of more than 100 mph. Gusts of up to 50 mph in lower areas are also expected. The weather service says travel to the area is expected to be "difficult-to-impossible." Motorists are advised to avoid travel if possible and who must travel should carry an emergency kit with extra food, water, and clothing.
SFGATE reported that the first system—a moisture-rich, slow-moving atmospheric river—began sweeping across the Cascades and the northern Sierra Nevada on Sunday morning, and is expected to bring heavy snowfall through Tuesday. “Travel could be very difficult to impossible due to heavy snow and whiteout conditions,” the service said. “Very strong winds could cause tree damage.”
California’s valley areas are expected to receive several inches of rainfall, creating the conditions for flashing flooding and scattered debris, especially near areas that have been recently burnt by fires.