Concerning & historic storm on the way

Possibly the strongest storm of the year, and maybe even the 21st century, so far is about the impact the Sierras where 10-plus feet of snow are forecast.

A very strong storm is headed into the West beginning late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning from the Pacific Northwest through the northern Rockies and southward into the Sierra Nevada. Winter storm watches and warnings and blizzard warnings are already posted ahead of this next big event.

An upper-level low-pressure trough will dip into the western U.S. later this week, igniting a serious storm at the surface. As seen on the WeatherRadar, rain and mountain snow will spread south and east as this storm hits the coast.

The National Weather Service has concerns about travel across the northern half of the Sierras, specifically above 2,000 feet, due to the blizzard conditions expected from the storm. They note that it will be “extremely dangerous to impossible travel.”

Snow accumulations of 1 to 4 feet from 2,000 to 4,000-foot elevations are expected from Thursday to Sunday, with 5 to 10 feet of snow above 5,000-foot elevations also expected – this does not happen often! That much snow, plus the 65 mph gusts screaming across the mountains, will cause dangerous travel situations. Travel will be impacted along stretches of Interstates 15, 25, 70, 80, and 90.

For those of you who have driven through the passes during snowstorms, you will have had some experience. However, blizzard warnings are not common here and require special conditions to be issued, making this storm much more significant. Plan accordingly.

More strong wording is noted for those just planning to head outdoors in the storm. Widespread significant strong winds will last for several days – Thursday to Sunday. The National Weather Service office in Reno states the following:

Have a snow emergency plan. Have a winter emergency kit stocked and ready in your vehicle IF you must travel. Keep in mind that the whiteout and blizzard conditions will make it tough for emergency personnel to travel too. Don't risk it if you don't have to.

With these winds and heavy snow, expect power outages too. Weather & Radar meteorologists will be providing frequent updates ahead of and throughout this event, and our weather reporter will be on the scene documenting the historic storm.