Marcella Corona

mcorona@rgj.com

Two more waves of cold weather are still on track to hit the Reno-Tahoe area over the weekend and into early next week, according to the National Weather Service.

The storm that hit the area Tuesday night moved out of the region by mid-day Wednesday. The next wave likely won’t hit until late Friday night into early Saturday morning with a third storm at hits heels, meteorologist Edan Weishahn said Wednesday.

The brunt of the second storm was expected to shift into southern California Friday into Saturday, forecasters said on the National Weather Service website.

Crash reports roll in; chains/snow tires needed on mountain roads

The Sierra passes could be covered in up to 6 inches of snow by Saturday morning. Meanwhile, gusty winds up to 45 mph are possible late Friday into early Saturday.

The third storm was expected to hit Sunday into Monday, bringing colder temperatures, gusty northwest winds and snow to all valley floors.

At least one inch of snow could fall over Reno this weekend, with several inches of snow expected in the foothills areas, Weishahn said. The Sierra Crest could also see 4 to 8 inches of snow by Sunday morning.

Heavy snowfall is also possible on the southern shores of Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake.

The best time to travel is all day Thursday and Friday, Weishahn said.

“Anyone with travel plans should stay up to date with the weather forecasts for the safest travel windows after Thanksgiving,” forecasters said Wednesday.

High temperatures were expected to drop into the low 40s Saturday and Sunday. Meanwhile, areas in higher elevation could see highs in the mid-30s.

RENO-AREA FORECAST

Thursday: Mostly sunny; high 50, low 32

Friday: Partly sunny with evening rain; high 49, low 42

Saturday: Rain, snow likely; high 42, low 31

Sunday: Snow likely; high 38, low 29

TAHOE-AREA FORECAST:

Thursday: Mostly sunny; high 44, low 30

Friday: Partly sunny, 1 to 3 inches snow likely; high 42, low 27

Saturday: 1 to 2 inches snow likely; high 33, low 25

Sunday: Snow likely; high 30, low 24

Source: National Weather Service