Winter Storm Warning Issued as 70 mph Winds, 3 Feet of Snow Approach

04.01.2026 16:45

Grindtv.com

The National Weather Service announced a winter storm warning ahead of heavy snowfall and strong winds in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain range regions.

"Meanwhile, very heavy snow continues for higher elevations of the Sierra and far northern ranges in California where total snowfall will be measured in feet. The Cascades and many of the ranges of the Great Basin and northern Rockies will see additional locally heavy snowfall Sunday as well," the NWS said.

"The snow will also trend downward Monday for the Sierra as well as the Cascades while remaining heavy for portions of the northern Rockies, Great Basin, and spreading into the central Rockies as embedded upper-energies swing eastward through the base of the upper-trough."

When Is a Winter Storm Warning Announced?

The National Weather Service revealed a "warning is issued to alert the public to imminent dangerous winter weather."

A warning is "normally" issued after a winter storm watch has been in effect, though the winter storm watch might not precede a warning if the looming winter weather develops quickly and unexpectedly.

"A Winter Storm Warning is issued when heavy snow, significant freezing rain, or heavy sleet is expected to occur," the National Weather Service said. "Usually issued 6 to 18 hours in advance of the winter weather. A Blizzard Warning is issued when sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more are expected to reduce visibility at or below a quarter of a mile due to falling and/or blowing snow for at least three hours. Wind Chill Warnings are issued when wind chills are expected to be below -24 degrees fahrenheit."

Winter Storm Warning Announced for Greater Lake Tahoe Area

The NWS saw fit to announce a winter storm warning for the Greater Lake Tahoe area including cities of South Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, Tahoe City, Stateline, Markleeville, Truckee, and Glenbrook.

"Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 2 feet above 7000 feet with up to 3 feet locally on highest peaks. Snow accumulations of 4 to 12 inches at lake level with up to 16 inches for communities along and west of Highway 89. Wind gusts of 25 to 40 mph with ridgetop winds gusting over 70 mph at times. Wind gusts up to 40 mph and wave heights of 1 to 3 feet on Lake Tahoe," the NWS warned.

The NWS warned that travel could be very difficult to impossible with hazardous conditions impacting weekend travel and the Monday morning commute while strong winds could cause damage to trees and power lines.