Storm brings snowy start to new year

A fast moving storm brought a snowy start to the new year across Northern Nevada.

Several inches of snow blanketed the valleys of Northern Nevada early Saturday, with about a half-foot reported at higher elevations in the Sierra and in Douglas County, said Scott McGuire, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Reno.

Four to five inches fell in Carson City with six to eight inches in Douglas County, he said.

Chains or snow tires were required on most mountain passes, including Interstate 80 over Donner Summit and U.S. 50. No major traffic problems were reported.

"A low pressure system continues to move down the California coast and is expected to move inland sometime Monday. It will bring moderate to heavy snow to the Sierra south of Interstate 80, and a winter weather advisory remains in effect through about

10 p.m.

"It will be heaviest in Douglas County and southern Lyon County with 3-6 inches of snow, and up to 2 inches in Reno and Carson City.

"Things should quiet down for several days and another system could push through next Friday or Saturday," McGuire said.

• The Associated Press contributed to this report.