Rainy Afternoon Commute Expected; Heavy Snow, Gusty Winds For Sierra

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SACRAMENTO (CBS13/AP) -- The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a winter weather advisory for Lake Tahoe and much of the Sierra's eastern front into Friday.

Up to 2 feet of snow (60 centimeters) is possible in the upper elevations with up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) in the valleys and as many as 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the foothills around Reno, Virginia City and the Carson Valley.

There's definitely no calm before this incoming storm! PCSO's Marine 6 crew is on #LakeTahoe today, and they are experiencing sustained 40-knot winds & 5-to 6-foot swells. One gust was just clocked at 75 knots! But the crew said Marine 6 is well within its capabilities. #CAwx ???? pic.twitter.com/3cjy0BzBXF
— Placer Sheriff (@PlacerSheriff) January 24, 2018

As much as 20 inches (50 centimeters) of snow is possible north of Reno in Susanville, California, where the advisory runs from noon Wednesday until 4 a.m. Friday.

It's in effect around Lake Tahoe from 4 p.m. Wednesday until 4 a.m. Friday, and 7 p.m. Wednesday to 4 a.m. Thursday in Reno-Sparks.

Winter storm arrives Wednesday! Take a look at what you should know if you have mountain travel plans the next few days! #cawx pic.twitter.com/qpPA3yRoDO
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) January 23, 2018

The heaviest snow is expected at Tahoe Wednesday night and late Thursday afternoon. Whiteout conditions are possible over Sierra passes.

Bands of heavy showers are expected to hit the Central Valley by the Wednesday afternoon commute. Forecasters expect travel to get hazardous over the Sierra by around 4 p.m.