Winter Storm Warning for 100+ MPH Winds, 6 Feet of Snow Takes Effect

The National Weather Service has issued an urgent winter storm warning for 100+ mph wind gusts and up to 6 feet of snow. Forecasters are warning that whiteout conditions could make travel impossible through mid-week.

100+ MPH Wind Gusts and 6 Feet of Snow Expected

Reno, Nevada's National Weather Service office has issued a major winter storm warning for the Lake Tahoe area spanning California and Nevada. Communities including Glenbrook, Stateline, Markleeville, South Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Incline Village, and Tahoe City are facing extreme weather from February 15 through February 18, 2026.

Wind gusts of over 100 mph will strike along the Sierra ridge throughout the multi-day storm. Additionally, the valleys could see 35 to 45 mph gusts. The NWS cautions that those conditions have the potential to down trees and power lines alike.

The storm will also bring heavy snow, with the forecast predicting that between 24 and 60 inches (2 and 5 feet) will arrive in the Sierra. It also outlines that the Tahoe Basin, including the west shore and Alpine County, could see 18 to 30 inches.

The powerful winds and significant snowfall will combine to create whiteout conditions, according to the NWS. The warning describes travel as "very difficult to impossible" off and on throughout the storm.

Though the Lake Tahoe area isn't heavily populated year-round, it does feature several cities that have tens of thousands of residents combined. It is also a major tourist attraction, as the website Visiting Lake Tahoe reports that it receives two million visitors annually.

Key Tips to Prevent Fires and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning During Winter Storms

In a February 2026 interview with Men's Journal, Kidde Senior Manager of Communications and Fire Safety Educator Stephanie Berzinski discussed the dangers inside the home during the winter months. She provided essential tips for staying safe from fire and carbon monoxide hazards during extreme winter conditions.

Berzinski explained that heating fires peak in winter, with 46% occurring from December to February, and over 200 people die annually from Carbon Monoxide poisoning. To prevent tragedies, she stated that people should never use ovens or generators for heat. She warned to always monitor space heaters and make sure they have a 3-foot clearance from combustibles. She also discussed the importance of installing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level and outside bedrooms. Those are some examples of the life-saving advice she provided.