A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden area until 4 a.m. PST Wednesday, as heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerous travel conditions continue to impact the region.
The National Weather Service is forecasting 4 to 8 inches of snow on valley floors, with 8 to 16 inches possible in foothill areas above 5,000 feet. Snowfall rates could reach between one-half inch and one inch per hour on Tuesday afternoon, particularly ahead of the evening commute.
Winds are also expected to create hazardous conditions, with gusts up to 50 mph and exceeding 60 mph in wind-prone areas along U.S. 395 and I-580. In Washoe Valley, a high wind advisory is in place, and vehicles taller than nine feet are prohibited. Officials say strong gusts could bring down tree branches and potentially topple burned trees in the Davis Fire burn area.
Travel throughout the Sierra has been significantly affected, with multiple chain controls and road closures in place. Interstate 80 is closed at the California state line to Hirschdale Road, where chain controls extend to just north of Baxter. Westbound I-80 is also closed at the Nevada-California state line, while eastbound lanes are shut down at Applegate due to multiple spinouts over Donner Summit, according to Caltrans.
Highway 89 is closed near Emerald Bay, with chain controls north of that closure. Chain controls are also in effect on Mount Rose Highway, U.S. 50, Kingsbury Grade, Interstate 580 through Washoe Valley, State Route 267, and State Route 88. All roads in and out of the Lake Tahoe Basin are under chain controls, including State Route 28 at Spooner Summit, Highway 89 at Luther Pass and Tahoe City, Highway 88 at Pickets Junction, and State Route 267 from Kings Beach to Northstar.
Authorities advise motorists to carry emergency supplies, including flashlights, food, and water, if travel is unavoidable. Drivers can check updated road conditions by calling 511.
The storm has prompted widespread closures across northern Nevada. All schools in the Washoe County, Storey County, and Carson City school districts are closed on Tuesday, with all classes, events, and activities canceled. Several private and charter schools are also closed, including Mater Academy, Our Lady of the Snows School, Pinecrest Academy of Northern Nevada, St. John’s Children’s Center, KidsLife Child Development Center, Sunflower Preschool, Newton Learning Center of Northern Nevada, Pyramid Lake Junior/Senior High School, and all five Coral Academy of Science campuses, along with their child care programs. Bishop Manogue Catholic High School is holding a virtual learning day.
State offices in Carson, Douglas, Lyon, Storey, and Washoe counties are closed following an official announcement from Governor Joe Lombardo.
Truckee Meadows Community College has closed all physical locations, including its Child Care Center, and canceled all in-person and remote classes and work. The University of Nevada, Reno has suspended all non-essential campus operations and in-person classes, though web-based and remote instruction will continue. The Redfield campus and the Wayne L. Prim campus at Lake Tahoe are also suspending non-essential operations.
Western Nevada College closed its Carson City campus and the Child Development Center, but will continue to provide remote services and instruction. The Fallon campus opened at 8 a.m. as scheduled.
The Northern Nevada Literacy Council has canceled all classes, though its offices and testing center remain open.
Meteorologists say the current system is part of an active winter pattern expected to persist through midweek. While snowfall may taper to lighter showers overnight, additional snow chances are possible later this week as another fast-moving storm approaches Thursday. Officials continue to urge caution, warning that travel conditions could remain dangerous through Wednesday morning.
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