...PERIOD OF COLD AND UNSETTLED WEATHER THROUGH THE WEEKEND...

* A strong cold front is moving through the Sierra and western NV
through Thursday, bringing gusty winds, much colder
temperatures, and chances for snow showers.

* Gusty southwest winds will develop this afternoon north of
Highway 50 and shift to the Eastern Sierra of Mono and Mineral
counties overnight into Thursday morning. This will impact
outdoor activities, produce bumpy airplane rides, and cause
gusty cross winds for high-profile vehicles, especially along
Highway 395, Highway 95, and I-580. Wind gusts along the Sierra
crest will exceed 80 mph.

* Snow showers across northeast CA and the Sierra today will then
push across the region through Friday. Roads will be slick in
the Sierra, especially at night. The higher April sun angle will
limit accumulations during the daytime hours. Prepare for
possible delays if your plans include travel across the Sierra.
Total snow accumulations: Above 7000 feet in Greater Lake Tahoe:
greater than 6 inches on the west side of Lake Tahoe and 1 to 2
inches in the Carson Range. Above 7000 feet in Mono County: 3 to
12 inches with up to 18 inches along the highest Sierra crest.
Below 7000 feet in Mono County: a trace up to 4 inches. Lowest
Nevada valleys: light snow showers, but little or no
accumulation.

* Unusually cold air for early April settles into the area with
daytime temperatures 15-20 degrees below normal Thursday and
Friday followed by only slight warming over the weekend. Hard
freezes are almost a certainty each night, even for lower
western NV valleys beginning Thursday night. Be ready to protect
sensitive plants, wrap exposed irrigation systems, and watch out
for vulnerable populations and pets.