LAKE TAHOE ” A very powerful and dangerous winter storm will continue to bring heavy snow and strong winds through the weekend.

The worst of the storms will be from this afternoon into Saturday morning when snow fall rates up to 6 inches per hour could fall at times in the higher elevations. The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for the Tahoe area through 10 am Saturday.

We could see a mixture of rain and snow in the basin today as the snow level hovers near 6500 feet. Highs today are expected to peak in the upper 30s to lower 40s around the lake.

Winds will be a major issue today ahead of an approaching cold front. South winds 25 to 40 mph will be common at lake level with gusts over 60 mph at times. Much stronger winds are expected along the Sierra crest with sustained winds between 80 to 100 mph and gusts up to 150 mph creating white out conditions over passes and other exposed areas in the upper elevations. Motorist are strongly urged to avoid driving through 10 am Saturday and then check the latest road conditions and closures.

It does not look like conditions will improve much on Saturday and Sunday as another colder storm moves into the area Saturday night. Check the National Weather Service Web site at weather.gov for the latest warnings and updates to this dangerous winter storm.