TRUCKEE, calif. – Winter has arrived with a vengeance. A series of cold winter storms are expected to bring heavy snow, gusty winds and hazardous travel conditions to the greater Tahoe region beginning Monday and continuing through at least Thursday, with additional storms possible into next week.

Here is a breakdown of the latest forecast from OpenSnow and current road conditions in Truckee.

Heavier snowfall is forecast to push into the region Monday and Tuesday, with snow showers lingering into Wednesday and more snow expected Thursday. Additional snow showers are possible Friday and Saturday, though some forecast models suggest a brief break before another potential storm series arrives Sunday night and continues through Feb. 25 or 26.

“Heavy snow is expected at times Monday through Thursday, with the heaviest snow Monday through Tuesday night,” OpenSnow forecaster Bryan Allegretto wrote. “Strong winds Monday night through Tuesday will cause blowing snow and very low visibility.”

Snow levels are expected to start around 5,000 feet Monday before dropping below 1,000 feet at times. For much of the storm cycle, snow levels are forecast to range between 2,000 and 3,000 feet, bringing snow to lower elevations, including foothill roadways and parts of western Nevada.

“Carry chains and be prepared for winter driving conditions and very slow travel through Thursday night,” Allegretto wrote. “The highway could close at times, especially with the heavy snowfall rates Monday–Tuesday and strong winds Monday night into Tuesday.”

Travelers heading to the Tahoe Basin this weekend should also prepare for potential storms and delays.

“If you plan to drive up to the Tahoe Basin this upcoming weekend, be prepared for possible storms and travel delays coming and going, but maybe a better chance going Sunday night,” Allegretto said.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Northeast California, the Greater Lake Tahoe region and Mono County in effect from Sunday, Feb. 15, through 10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18.

“Strong winds Tuesday may cause near-zero visibility and whiteout conditions in the Sierra at times,” the warning states.

Chain controls in effect

As of 10 a.m. Monday, multiple chain controls were in place in the Truckee area:

• Westbound Interstate 80: R-2 at Donner Summit Canyon; MAX and holding traffic at Donner Lake Interchange; holding traffic in Truckee
• Eastbound Interstate 80: R-2 at Donner Lake Interchange and in Truckee; MAX in Truckee
• Southbound Highway 89: R-2 at West River Street in Truckee
• Northbound Highway 89: R-2 near Prosser Dam Road in Truckee
• Southbound Highway 267: R-2 near the Interstate 80 bypass and at Truckee Airport Road

Under R-2 restrictions, chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles equipped with snow-tread tires on all four wheels. Those vehicles must still carry chains in chain control areas.

MAX restrictions require chains for all trucks, and holding traffic indicates all vehicles are being stopped at chain control checkpoints due to weather or incidents.

Authorities are urging people to check road conditions before traveling and allow extra time for mountain travel throughout the week.