The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a winter storm warning above 5,000 feet for the 24-hour period starting at noon Friday.

A subtropical moisture plume will be pointed directly at Northern California through the weekend. Expect blowing snow to be a major factor for motorists.

“Snow will slowly change to rain as snow levels rise, with snow confined to areas above 7,000 feet by Saturday afternoon,” the Weather Service said.

Expect 6 to 14 inches above 5,000 feet and west of Highway 395 and 3 to 6 inches east of Highway 395.

Snow levels are expected to lower during the day Sunday and heavy snow may affect the major sierra passes around the Lake Tahoe Basin.

 — Lake Tahoe News staff report