Blizzard to Hit Sierra; Avalanche Warning Through Friday Morning

The National Weather Service in Reno says as much as 2-6 feet of new snow is possible in the upper elevations around Lake Tahoe through Friday morning. Look for several inches to more than a foot of snow at Lake Level.

Avalanche danger remains in the high category. 

A blizzard warning goes up for the Sierra 7pm through 7am Thursday with white out conditions heavy snow and major delays, travel over our passes is not advised Wednesday evening. 

The City of South Lake Tahoe is offering free sandbags for residents to prepare for the snow melt runoff you can pick up sandbags at the City Public Works Yard, 1180 Rufus Allen Blvd. and at Fire Station 3, 2101 Lake Tahoe Blvd. The city says, "You will need to fill your own bags and transport them back to your home. Please leave the shovels so that other residents may use them and try to limit the number of bags to 10 per visit. Access to sandbags is available during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 7:30am-4pm.

Both Caltrans and NDOT have chain controls on many mountain passes. For the latest conditions, call 511 or the Caltrans Highway Information Network at 1-800-427-7623 for travel information. Live traffic cameras can also be useful to check conditions before traveling and are available at http://www.dot.ca.gov/video/ and at https://nvroads.com/.

The City of South Lake Tahoe says with the snow comes flooding concerns, and they're offering sandbags at these locations:

- City Public Works Yard at 1180 Rufus Allen Blvd.

- Fire Station 3 at 2101 Lake Tahoe Blvd.

Residents will need to fill their own bags and transport them back home. Residents are also asked to leave the shovels so that other residents may use them and try to limit the number of bags to ten per visit.

Access to sandbags will be available during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Winter driving tips:

• Reduce your speed to match driving conditions and allow more time to reach your destination. Know that bridges and ramps may be more slippery than the roadway.

• Keep your fuel tank full. Bad weather may cause long delays or closures.

• Turn on your headlights to see and be seen. Be observant and maintain a safe distance behind snow removal equipment. Do not pass snow plows unless directed to do so.

• When driving in fog, reduce your speed and use headlights on low-beam along with fog lights. Stay to the right along the white edge line and never stop in the road. If visibility is not adequate, pull off of the roadway when safe to do so.

• Do not drive through flooded areas. Safely turn around and find another route.

• If you start sliding on snow or ice, slowly take your foot off the gas pedal and steer in the direction you wish to travel. Do not lock your brakes. Pump the brakes if needed, or apply steady pressure if your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes.

• Don’t use cruise control. 

• Avoid in-car distractions while driving.

• If you are stalled, activate your hazard signals and stay with your vehicle. Conserve fuel by periodically turning your engine on and off while maintaining warmth, but be aware of possible exhaust and carbon monoxide issues.

• If you approach an emergency, maintenance, or any other vehicle stopped on the side of the road, move over when safe to do so or slow down. 

Be prepared. The following actions can help prevent vehicle failures and help if you become stranded:

• Winterize your vehicle. Make sure your brakes, windshield wipers, heater/defroster, and exhaust system are in good working order. Make sure fluids are topped-off, especially windshield washer fluid. 

• Make sure your tires are properly inflated and always carry tire chains.

• Pack an emergency kit in your vehicle with the following items: flashlight, blankets, extra clothing, water, snacks, towel, gloves, ice scraper, shovel, broom, sand, and carry a spare key on your person in case you lock yourself out of your vehicle.

You can stay up to date on weather across the country and in our area with our KTVN Storm Watch weather app. 

The app gives you forecast information, like radar, storm tracking and more for any location in the country, all in the palm of your hand. 

You can download it for free for your iPhone, iPad, or Android smartphone. Just search KTVN in the iTunes or Google Play Store.

Blizzard Warning for the Sierra TonightTruckee Tahoe Airport