Forecasters: Las Vegas area to get snow

By Dave Toplikar (contact)

Published Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008 | 7:06 a.m.

Updated Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008 | 9:57 p.m.

(See the latest story on the snow: Snow, sleet, rain moving into Las Vegas.)

National Weather Service

This National Weather Service graphic shows the forecasts for snow accumulations expected Monday in the Las Vegas Valley.

If National Weather Service forecasts hold up, the Las Vegas Valley will actually get snow Monday — from a trace to as much as five inches.

Forecasters think some snow could even reach the lowest lying areas of the city, including the Strip.

Henderson and Boulder City could see up to three inches. And the foothills just west of Summerlin could get five inches by Monday afternoon.

The highest amount of snow will be in the Spring Mountains west of Las Vegas and the Sheep Range north of the city, which will get from six to 12 inches, and as much as 18 inches in some spots, according to the weather service.

The biggest hazard will be driving, the weather service said. During Monday morning's commute, roads are expected to be slippery. And the snow is expected to reduce visibility.

A snow map produced by the weather service showed the least amount of snow will be in the lowest area of the valley — including the downtown, the Strip and the east side — which could get a trace to an inch of snow.

Areas of higher elevations, including Henderson, North Las Vegas and Boulder City will see one to three inches, the forecasters say.

The weather service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for snow for the valley from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday.

The weather service says a very strong storm system will bring snow down to an elevation of 2,000 feet early Monday morning in the valley, in wester Clark County and southern Nye County.

"The snow will taper off during the afternoon ... then turning into a mix of snow and rain," the weather service said.

Most of the accumulations is expected on grassy areas or cold objects, such as cars, the weather service said.

"Travelers and commuters Monday morning should be alert for the possibility of hazardous driving condition, such as slick and icy roads and reduced visibility ... And remember to keep a safe distance between other cars while driving," the weather service said.

The weather service swaid there's a 30 percent chance of precipitation tonight, with snow at areas 2,400 feet in elevation.

Monday's forecast calls for a 90 percent chance of precipitation, with snow before 10 a.m., then rain.

The snowfall will be in areas at 2,100 elevation or above in the morning, then include those areas at 3,500 feet and above later in the day, the weather service said. The high temperature will reach 42 degrees.

Monday night will bring a 40 percent chance of showers, mainly before 10 p.m., with mostly cloudy skies and a low around 32 degrees.

Tuesday's forecast calls for isolated showers, with a high near 48 degrees. The chance for rain drops off to 20 percent.

The weather service predicts scattered showers Tuesday night before 6 p.m., then scattered rain.

The Las Vegas Valley could get more snow on Wednesday. The weather service said there's a chance of rain before 10 a.m., then a chance of rain and snow, with the snow falling at elevations of 2,600 feet or above. Skies will be most cloudy, with a high near 41 degress.