6-foot waves on Lake Tahoe; snow at resorts
A high wind advisory is in effect for the Lake Tahoe Basin and beyond. Rain has been coming down much of the day at lake level, with snow at the higher elevations and at the ski resorts.
Webcams for most of the Lake Tahoe ski resorts are showing white stuff in abundance.
The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a high wind warning from 5pm today to 5am Wednesday. The lake wind advisory is in effect until 5pm today.
The 2:30 and 6pm MS Dixie paddle-wheeler cruises out of Zephyr Cove have been canceled.
Sand bags are available to the public at two locations in South Lake Tahoe; 1160 Rufus Allen Blvd. and near the intersection of David and Ruby lanes. If needed, additional locations will be added.
Residents are responsible for filling their sand bags. The city will provide shovels, but residents are also encouraged to bring their own shovel.
City crews do not normally respond to flooding on private property as crews are busy clearing drains and inlets.
Any street flooding issues should be reported to Public Works at (530) 542.6030 or to Public Safety Dispatch.
From the National Weather Service:
* Timing: locally gusty winds early this morning will increase and become strong by mid-morning. A brief decrease in the wind will occur during the heavy rainfall this afternoon. However, a few hours of even stronger winds are expected this evening and overnight.
* Wind speeds today: south to southwest winds of 20 to 30mph with gusts up to 45mph on Lake Tahoe. Gusts up to 110mph over Sierra ridges this afternoon.
* Wave heights on Lake Tahoe: 3 to 5 feet will be common with 6-foot waves possible along the East and North shores.
* Wind speeds this evening and overnight: south to southwest winds of 25 to 35mph with gusts up to 60mph. Stronger gusts are possible in wind prone areas. Gusts up to 120 mph over Sierra ridges.
* Impacts: boats on Lake Tahoe will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters through tonight. Winds will be capable of producing damage to trees, power lines and fences.
Precautionary/preparedness actions:
Damage to trees, power lines and property is likely with winds of this magnitude. Unsecured objects such as lawn furniture and construction materials should be secured or moved indoors before the strong winds today.
Driving will become hazardous for high profile vehicles, especially on Interstate 80 over Donner Summit and Mount Rose Highwa. Use extra caution and remain alert for sudden gusts or cross winds.
The merging of a storm system and remnants of a typhoon from Japan created the blustery, wet weather.
Today’s high in Lake Tahoe is expected to be 47 degrees, increasing to 56 degrees on Wednesday. Dry, warmer weather will follow, with Friday’s high expected to be 71 degrees at Tahoe.