Winter storm warnings for 2 states threaten ‘extensive’ power line damage

Winter storm warnings in Oregon and Nevada warn of “extensive” power line damage from wet snow and high winds, the National Weather Service (NWS) has warned.

In Oregon, winter storm warnings are in place across Siskiyou County, with NSW warning “strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.” The warnings are in place until 4 pm PST Wednesday.

Winds of up to 65 mph and heavy wet snow accumulations of between 5 and 10 inches are expected in the western, north-central and southeastern parts of the county.

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Gusts in the south central areas of Siskiyou County are estimated to be up to 60 mph.

Across the county, NSW is warning that travel conditions will be difficult with the Wednesday morning commute likely to be affected. If you must travel, NSW recommends keeping a flashlight, food and water in your car in case of emergency.

In Nevada across the Greater Lake Tahoe area, a winter storm warning is in place until Thursday at 1 PT. Extensive damage to power lines and trees is expected due to wind gusts up to 50 mph in the Sierra valleys and over 100 mph along the Sierra crest.

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Snow accumulations of 1-4 inches are expected on the west side of Tahoe and up to 2 inches on the east side. Areas between 6,000 and 7,000 feet could see a mix of rain, snow and sleet.

NSW Reno warns that travel may be difficult in mountainous areas and advises that all travel restrictions in the area should be adhered to.

A winter weather advisory is in place for Lassen-Eastern Pluma and Eastern Sierra Counties in Nevada. This is expected to bring wet snow above 7,000 feet and winds of up to 45 mph. However, no damage to the power line is expected.

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Storm warnings are also in place for Washington state and northern California.

The NWS warns that in Washington, the West Slopes North Cascades and Passes can expect winds up to 45 mph and snow accumulations between 12 and 24 inches above 4,000 feet. Power outages, the service warns, may be likely and travel “very difficult.” This warning is valid until Thursday at 16 PST.

In Northern California across western Plumas County and the Western Slope of the Northern Sierra Nevada, a winter weather advisory remains in place until Friday night, with NSW warning of snow above 5,500 feet and winds of up to 45 mph.

Commuters Wednesday through Friday in this area are likely to be affected due to snow-covered roads, chain checks and trees downed by wind.

The impacts are expected to arrive in two waves – the first wave will arrive Wednesday with snow falling between 5,500 and 6,000 feet. This will be followed by a lull in snowfall Thursday morning. The second wave will arrive Thursday afternoon into Friday, with snow expected at 4,500 to 5,000 feet.

The Northern Trinity region of California will also be affected by wet snow – above 5,000 feet in areas including Scott Mountain Pass – until 8 p.m. 9pm PST tonight.

Road conditions for each state can be accessed by calling 511.

Newsweek have emailed NSW for comment.