Lake Mead visitors were warned against boating on the reservoir this weekend because severe winds are expected to have a "significant impact" on the waters.
A late-season winter storm will move into California on Friday night. More than 12 inches of snow are forecast for the high-elevation Sierra Nevada this weekend, with possible locally higher amounts between 18 and 24 inches. Lower elevation areas, meanwhile, are expecting rain, with the heaviest precipitation occurring on Saturday. Las Vegas isn't expecting any snow or heavy rain from the storm, but high winds will blow through the area in advance of the storm, prompting meteorologists to issue high wind watches for the area.
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In Las Vegas, southward winds will blow between 30 and 40 miles per hour, with gusts up to 60 mph possible. The winds are expected to begin Saturday morning and last through Sunday night. Meteorologists warned of widespread power outages as well as blowing dust and debris. Residents in the area were urged to secure loose items. Boaters also were warned of the wind effects.
NWS meteorologist Barry Pierce told Newsweek that lake vendors often refuse to rent boats when wind speeds reach 20 to 30 miles per hour because "it's so dangerous with those type of winds."
"There is a significant impact to boaters on area lakes with dangerous waves. We are not recommending people to be out on Lake Mead or Lake Mojave this weekend," Pierce said. "Windy days out on the lake are not pleasant. You get tossed around pretty good [with 20-30 mph winds]. You get 'beat up,' as they say, out there just from riding the waves."
In addition to Lake Mead, strong winds are expected at the White and Inyo Mountains, Lake Havasu and Fort Mohave, Northwest Deserts, Eastern Sierra Slopes, Owens Valley, Death Valley National Park, San Bernardino County-Upper Colorado River Valley, Esmeralda and Central Nye County, Lincoln County and Sheep Range.
"Strong winds and rough waves on area lakes will create hazardous conditions for small craft," the NWS Las Vegas office warned in a high wind watch that was issued Thursday.
In California, travel will become hazardous, and motorists may need to use chain controls. The heaviest snow is expected in Lassen Volcanic National Park, with 24 inches. The most rain is expected in Blue Canyon, with 3 inches, and up to 2 inches of rain is expected in Sims. Widespread amounts ranging from .25 inches to over an inch are expected throughout the region.
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Anna Skinner is a Newsweek senior reporter based in Indianapolis. Her focus is reporting on the climate, environment and weather ... Read more
