Sierra Cement Snow, Valley Rain and Strong Winds Arrive Friday

Published: Nov. 11, 2026 at 4:47 PM PST|Updated: 57 minutes ago
Sunny and warm weather continues this Wednesday evening. Skies will start sunny on Thursday, before some high clouds build in throughout the day. Temps will remain warmer than average, with highs in the 60s for most. The impactful storm system will finally enter on Friday, reaching the Sierra by midday, and spilling over onto the Sierra front by the afternoon and evening hours. Winds will be very strong, with gusts up to 55 mph for many. Wind prone locations and ridges can expect gusts upwards of 65 mph. The heaviest precipitation impacts are anticipated in the Sierra, where snow will fall above 6,000 feet. 2-6 inches are expected between 6,000 to 7,000 feet, with locations above 7,000 feet likely receiving 6-12 inches of snow. Snow accumulations up to 20 inches are possible at high summits and along the crest west of Lake Tahoe. Avoid travel through the Sierra on Friday if possible. Expect snow tire and chain restrictions, as well as delays on Friday. Rain is expected on the Sierra Front and throughout the Great Basin, with accumulations under a half of an inch for most. The system will pass through during the PM hours of Friday and exit to our east by Saturday morning. Temperatures will drop throughout Friday, meaning highs will vary throughout the 40s and 50s over the weekend. The weekend is expected to dry out for most, as a weak ridge of high pressure builds in. However, a second wave of precipitation is expected on Monday, with a potential third wave arriving late Wednesday into Thursday of next week.