Strong winds related to an atmospheric river that hit California will push into western Nevada later this evening, with ridgetop gusts topping 120 mph, equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane.
A bomb cyclone brought dangerous weather conditions across the Pacific Northwest earlier this week, causing power outages for more than a half-million people and killing at least two. It also ushered in an atmospheric river, which brought heavy rainfall across the northern half of California.
Winds related to that storm will gust through Nevada today in advance of precipitation that will dump several feet of snow in high elevation areas.
A high wind warning is in effect for the Reno, Nevada, forecast region.
"South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. Wind prone areas may reach gusts of 80 mph. Peak winds will occur between 5pm and 10pm," the warning said.
On the ridgetops, wind gusts would hit a "significant" 125 mph, NWS meteorologist Gigi Giralte told Newsweek. If winds reach that speed, they will be only 5 mph shy of Category 4 hurricane strength.
"Now is the time to secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture, holiday decorations, and trash cans before winds increase which could blow these items away," the warning said. "The best thing to do is prepare ahead of time by making sure you have extra food and water on hand, flashlights with spare batteries and/or candles in the event of a power outage."
Strong winds will continue in the area overnight. The warning will remain in place until 1 a.m. local time Saturday.
Other wind-related weather alerts for Reno include a red flag warning, as low humidity ahead of the incoming precipitation elevates wildfire danger when coupled with the gusty winds. A lake wind advisory was also in place for Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake, as strong winds would make recreating there dangerous.
In addition to the wind warnings, the Reno NWS office also issued a winter weather advisory warning of the incoming weather. The snow will make travel difficult, with the greatest amounts forecast for elevations above 7,000 feet.
Giralte said the strong winds, as well as the heavy snow, have prompted the Sierra Avalanche Center to issue a backcountry avalanche watch for recreators in the area. Strong winds increase avalanche danger.
"A powerful storm with large amounts of new snow, rain, and strong winds may cause widespread avalanche activity in the mountains. Avalanches large enough to bury people or knock down large trees could occur in backcountry areas," the avalanche watch said. "Very dangerous avalanche conditions may occur Friday night and Saturday. Traveling in, near, or below backcountry avalanche terrain is not recommended."
Earlier this week, the "powerful" atmospheric river prompted the Mount Shasta Avalanche Center to issue an avalanche warning for part of Northern California.
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