Lifestyle Trend: Snowstorm Warning Issued for 6 Nevada Counties over Heavy Snow and Winds You Should Know

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for six counties in Nevada, forecasting heavy snowfall, powerful wind gusts, and potentially life-threatening travel conditions from Monday morning through Wednesday night.

The warning, issued by the NWS Las Vegas office early Sunday, covers the Sheep Range, Spring Mountains, Red Rock Canyon, Esmeralda County, and central Nye County, including communities such as Mount Charleston, Hayford Peak, Dyer, Silver Peak, Beatty, and Goldfield. The alert will remain in effect from 10 a.m. Monday until 10 p.m. PST, Wednesday.

Forecasters say the storm will arrive in two significant waves, bringing widespread snowfall above 5,000 feet. In the Spring Mountains and Sheep Range, snow accumulations could exceed 2 feet above 9,000 feet, with 1 to 2 feet expected above 7,000 feet and 6 to 12 inches down to 5,000 feet. Wind gusts may reach up to 50 mph in higher elevations, increasing the likelihood of blowing snow and whiteout conditions.

In Esmeralda and central Nye counties, snowfall totals are projected between 5 and 10 inches, with gusts up to 45 mph. Travel across Highway 266 at Lida Summit and stretches of Highway 95 may become particularly hazardous, especially during the second phase of the storm, when snow levels are expected to drop to around 4,000 to 5,000 feet.

The National Weather Service emphasized the severity of the anticipated conditions. “Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening,” the agency stated in its advisory. Officials also warned that slick roads, especially bridges and overpasses, could create dangerous driving environments across the region.

Snow levels will initially hover between 6,000 and 7,000 feet Monday before lowering significantly by Tuesday morning as colder air moves in. The second wave of snowfall Tuesday into Wednesday is expected to produce heavier rates and broader impacts, particularly in elevated terrain.

Authorities are urging residents to postpone non-essential travel. Motorists who must be on the roads are advised to carry emergency supplies, including extra food, water, blankets, and flashlights. Updated road conditions are available by calling 511.

While southern Nevada is accustomed to dry desert conditions, mountainous regions such as the Spring Mountains frequently experience intense winter weather events that can disrupt travel, close highways, and strain emergency services. Strong wind gusts may also down tree branches and reduce visibility, compounding hazards.

Residents are encouraged to monitor official forecasts through weather.gov/lasvegas and local emergency management agencies for updates. The combination of heavy snow, falling snow levels, and high winds could create rapidly deteriorating conditions, particularly in higher elevations.

The storm is expected to gradually weaken late Wednesday night, though lingering icy conditions may persist into Thursday morning as cleanup efforts continue.