The Elko, NV office of the National Weather Service issued a a winter storm watch on Friday night as significant snowfall is expected to hit over the weekend.
Snow accumulations 15 to 20 inches above 8,500 feet conceivable. Total snow 10 to 15 inches from 7,500 feet to 8,500 feet possible. Snow accumulations 5 to 10 inches from 6,500 feet to 7,500 feet conceivable in the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range in Elko.
But snow isn’t the only threat as the region deals with isolated thunderstorms with wind gusts up to 45 mph and dangerous cloud to ground lightning strikes.
An Eastern Pacific storm system will dig southward tonight, before making landfall over Northern California Saturday, according to the latest forecast. That system is expected to move eastward through Northern and Central Nevada Saturday night and Sunday, resulting in periods of valley rain and mountain snow. The majority of precipitation will fall Saturday night and Sunday morning.
The Elko office pointed out the cooler than normal temperatures hitting the region.
“High temperatures throughout Northern and Central Nevada Saturday afternoon will be two to four degrees cooler than this afternoon. Maximum temperatures in Northern and Central Nevada Sunday afternoon will be eleven to thirteen degrees below normal for this time of year,” it said on social media.
What is a Winter Storm Watch?
The National Weather Service revealed it issues a winter storm watch when there is the potential for significant and hazardous winter weather within 48 hours. It does not mean that significant and hazardous winter weather will occur…it only means it is possible.
It lists three criteria for defining significant and hazardous winter weather:
- 1) 5 inches or more of snow/sleet
- 2) Enough ice accumulation to cause damage to trees or powerlines.
- 3) a life threatening or damaging combination of snow and/or ice accumulation with wind.
The winter storm watch in the region is expected to last though Sunday evening.
Related: New Forecast Shows US States Facing the Most Snow This Winter
