The Greater Lake Tahoe Area under a winter storm warning until Wednesday night – gusts could peak at 50 mph

The National Weather Service released a winter storm warning at 12:58 p.m. on Sunday valid from 10 p.m. until Wednesday Feb. 18, at 10 p.m. for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area.

“Snow accumulations between 2 to 3 feet in the Tahoe Basin, highest on the west shore, and much of Alpine County. Snow accumulations of 3 to 5 feet above 7000 feet. Winds on Tuesday gusting up to 50 mph in valleys, with Sierra ridge gusts over 100 mph,” can be expected according to the NWS Reno NV. “The highest snowfall rates will be mid-Monday morning through Monday evening, then a second wave mid-Tuesday morning through early Wednesday morning.”

“Travel could be very difficult to impossible with periods of white out conditions. Very strong winds could cause damage to trees and power lines,” according to the NWS. “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.”

TahoeAlerts offers a one-stop alert notification registration for residents and visitors throughout the Tahoe region. To receive alerts, visit the TahoeAlerts website.

Where to find winter weather shelters in your county:

Winter weather shelters in Santa Clara County: San Jose operates the Overnight Warming Location program.

Winter weather shelters in Alameda County: List of winter shelters operated in Alameda County, from Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless.

Winter weather shelters in San Mateo County: San Mateo County residents in need of shelter should visit their local Core Service Agency in order to seek access to the Inclement Weather Program or other shelter programs.

Winter weather shelters in Contra Costa County: For information about how to connect with all emergency shelters in Contra Costa, call 211 or click on the list of shelters provided by Contra Costa Health.

Winter weather shelters in Solano County: Solano County offers a list of centers where anyone can go to keep warm during extreme weather temperatures.

Winter driving guide: Tips from the NWS for safe and sound travels

Winter weather can make driving treacherous, leading to over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and over 480,000 injuries each year. When traveling during snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. In near-freezing temperatures, it’s safest to assume that icy conditions exist on roadways and adjust your driving accordingly. Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards. If possible, avoid driving in such conditions. If you must venture out, opt for routes with fewer trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line, and immediately dial 911 if you come across one. Here are additional winter weather driving tips:

Share your travel plans:

When traveling out of town in hazardous winter weather, inform your family or friends of your destination, planned route, and estimated time of arrival.

Prepare your vehicle:

Ensure your gas tank is full and equip your vehicle with essential winter supplies such as a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, extra warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.

Stay calm when stranded:

If you become stranded, remain composed. Inform someone about your situation and location. Avoid attempting to walk to safety. Indicate that you need assistance by attaching a cloth to your car’s antenna or mirror, and make your vehicle more visible by using the dome light and flashers

Be aware of snow plows:

Keep an eye out for snow plows and provide them with ample room to pass. Only overtake a plow when you have a clear view of the road ahead.

Check road conditions:

Before embarking on your journey, check the latest road conditions to make informed travel decisions.

Stay safe on wintry roads with these valuable winter driving tips from the NWS, and reduce the risk of accidents during challenging weather conditions.

For more weather alerts in the Tahoe area, visit Weather Advisories