Winter storm warning: Snow in the mountains, rain in the valleys

Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2000 | 10:32 a.m.

Snow began sticking early today on the highway linking Carson City with Lake Tahoe. Chains or snow tires also were required briefly on Interstate west of Donner Summit.

A winter storm warning was in effect as snow continued to fall over the passes, bringing an end to weeks of hot, dry sunny days.

One to three inches of snow were in the forecast for Tahoe with up to six inches above 6,000-7,000 feet.

Rain was predicted in the valleys of northern Nevada, changing to snow above 6,000 feet. Tuesday's highs were expected to reach the 50s, 15-20 degrees below Monday's readings.

The storm system was formed by a large area of low pressure that extended from the Gulf of Alaska to the Pacific Northwest. It is expected to start weakening on Wednesday.

"By the weekend, we should go through a clearing and warming trend and be back into the upper 60s," said Bob Nester, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

"We've been well above normal for so long, people think 60s are below normal," he said.