The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a high wind warning in effect from 1 a.m. Wednesday to 1 a.m. Thursday.
The warning is for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area, the Greater Reno–Carson City–Minden area, and Mono County.
Southwest winds of 35 to 45 mph are forecast, with gusts up to 65 mph. Wind-prone areas along the US-395 corridor could see gusts of 70 to 80 mph, and ridgetop gusts may reach 110 mph.
According to a post on the National Weather Service Reno Facebook page, “The High Wind Watch has been UPGRADED to a High Wind Warning for Tahoe, Mono County, and Sierra Front communities.”
The latest NWS update on its website warns that “damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines,” and that “widespread power outages are expected.”
The agency also cautioned that “travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles,” and noted that “winds may knock down burned trees in the Davis Fire burn area.”
For nearby areas, a wind advisory remains in effect from 1 a.m. until 10 p.m. Wednesday for northeast California, the Surprise Valley and northern Washoe County, and from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. for the west Nevada basin and range, as well as southern Mineral and Lyon counties.
Gusts in those locations could reach 55 to 60 mph along wind-prone stretches of US-395, with gusts up to 45 mph over Pyramid Lake producing 3–5 foot waves.
The weather service noted that impacts “will be large waves, difficult travel for high-profile vehicles, and bumpy flights and turbulence.”
Rain and snow are also expected, mainly for northeast California and the Sierra Nevada, with snow levels staying above 7,500 feet and accumulations of less than 4 inches. The forecaster said, “The specifics on timing and amount of spillover into western Nevada remain uncertain.”
Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue reinforced the warning on its X page, writing, “This High wind warning is in effect today into the evening with Southwest winds 35 to 45 mph, gusting to 65 mph. Please avoid any outdoor activities that can spark fires and avoid outdoor cooking fires and campfires. It only takes one spark to start.”
The National Weather Service urged residents to secure outdoor items such as patio furniture, decorations, and trash cans before the winds increase.
It also advised people to prepare for possible power outages by having food, water, and flashlights ready.
(The National Weather Service and Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue contributed to this story.)
