Weather

Rain, snow tonight: 12 inches possible at 8000 feet

FRIDAY MAY 1 5:35 AM!..Light rain was falling this morning in parts of the Tahoe Basin, the leading edge of what should be a pretty good little storm later today and tonight. A strong low pressure system off the coast of Oregon and Northern California is preparing to move inland this afternoon, and it should be bringing at least an inch of precipitable water along with it. The storm is tapping into a deep plume of subtropical moisture, so it will be a warm one. Snow levels should start out above 7000 feet before dropping to about 6000 feet as the front moves through overnight. Areas along the Sierra Crest above 8000 feet could see as much as a foot of snow by Saturday morning, but there will be only modest accumulations below 7000 feet. Some road surfaces on the mountain passes could be slick tonight, and the Weather Service has issued a travel advistory reflecting that concern. By Saturday afternoon this low should be to the east of Tahoe, leaving only cloud cover and a few lingering showers in its wake, most along the crest. Another low pressure system makes a pass at us on Sunday but looks to keep most of its energy north of I-80. tahoeloco.com Events

Friday, May 1

Hacienda de la Sierra (931 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village) will begin its Cinco de Mayo celebrations by featuring live music with a Latin flair right after happy hour. Come celebrate with Paul Covarelli. For information call (775) 831-8300. Caliente (8791 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach) also will begin its Cinco de Mayo celebrations tonight with an extended happy hour, food and drink specials from 4 to 10 p.m. and a contest to Guess How Many Beans are in the Jar. Win a dinner for four, with the winner drawn on May 5. Call (530) 546-1000 for details.