Winter storm warnings issued for Sierra passes on I-80, US 50 and US 395 for Friday

The points

1. 1NWS Sacramento issued a Winter Storm Warning at 12:05 a.m. PST Nov. 12 for the northern Sierra above 6,000 feet, including Highway 50, Interstate 80, State Route 4 and State Route 108, from 10 a.m. Friday to 10 a.m. PST Saturday.
2. 2NWS Sacramento forecasts total snow accumulations up to a foot, with up to 2 feet at the highest peaks, and winds that could gust as high as 60 mph.
3. 3NWS says travel could be very difficult, the conditions could impact the Friday evening and Monday morning commutes, and strong winds could cause near whiteout conditions.
4. 4Heaviest snowfall is expected Friday night into Saturday morning, with snow levels of 6,500 to 7,500 feet Friday dropping to 5,500 to 6,500 feet Saturday morning; NWS expects a lull Saturday afternoon through Sunday, then additional snow Sunday night through Monday.
5. 5NWS Reno's warning for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area, also 10 a.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday, calls for snow near 12 inches above 7,000 feet, up to 20 inches along the crest west of Lake Tahoe, and gusts of 35 to 45 mph for Truckee and Lake Tahoe communities.
6. 6NWS Reno's Mono County warning runs from 1 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday, with 1 to 2 feet of snow above 7,000 feet and gusts of 45 to 55 mph for areas along Highway 395.
7. 7NWS directs drivers to Caltrans road conditions at quickmap.dot.ca.gov or 511.

What we read

National Weather Service Sacramento and Reno, Winter Storm Warnings issued Nov. 12, 2026: weather.gov and weather.gov