Winter storm poised to barrel into Sierra, Nevada

Friday, March 27, 1998 | 9:31 a.m.

Spring took a hiatus from northern Nevada and the Sierra today as a potent winter storm packing a promise of snow, cold temperatures and blustery winds left tulips and daffodils quivering in the their flowerbeds.

Chains were mandatory early today on Interstate 80 over Donner Summit, and forecasters predicted the weather would only get worse before it got better.

Chains or snow tires also were required in the Mount Rose Highway southwest of Reno and U.S. 50 in California.

A winter storm warning was in effect today through tonight all along the eastern Sierra, from Lassen to Mono counties in California.

The National Weather Service predicted the Lake Tahoe region could see up to a foot of snow by early Saturday.

Snow levels were expected to drop to the valley floors by afternoon across much of northern and central Nevada, where a winter storm watch was issued for tonight and Saturday.

Forecasters said snow in the valleys was likely by tonight, with possible snow accumulations of 2-5 inches by Saturday morning. The mountains of eastern and north-central Nevada could receive up to a foot.

Southern Nevada also was under a winter storm watch for Saturday above 5,000 feet.

The weather service said temperatures across the state would plummet as cold air behind the storm front moved into the region.

Highs in the Reno-Carson City area were only expected to reach the mid to upper 30s on Saturday - about 10 degrees cooler than today's anticipated highs and more than 20 degrees below Thursday's high in Reno of 62.