Anticipated New Year’s snow could change plans

Pahrump residents traveling over the Spring Mountains to celebrate New Year’s Eve tonight might want to reconsider.

And even if you stay here, you’ll want to bundle up.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory stating a high probability of snow accumulation in the Spring Mountains.

The advisory issued Monday is in effect until 10 p.m. tonight.

Some of the higher foothills may see up to an inch of snow. The Spring Mountains and will likely see between three-to-six inches with the highest amounts on east and northeast facing slopes,” the weather service said Tuesday.

Difficult driving conditions are anticipated on state Route 160 and snow-covered trails are expected in the mountains.

Winds are expected to be between five-to-10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph.

“A winter weather advisory for snow means that periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties,” the travel service said. “Be prepared for snow-covered roads and limited visibility. And use caution while driving.”

In Pahrump, the forecast is cloudy with a bit of snow: up to one inch during the day and two-to-four inches at night.

The anticipated high temperature today is 41 degrees, with a low of 28 degrees. Sunshine returns Thursday but the cold remains with a high of 45 degrees, and a low of 20.

The advisory comes as cold air continues to plunge southward in the West.

“This cold regime will be firmly entrenched across the West, so people partaking in outdoor New Year’s Eve festivities will need to bundle up,” said Ed Vallee, a meteorologist with AccuWeather.com.

The Nevada Department of Transportation said Monday it is prepared for a New Year’s Eve snowstorm.

“NDOT maintenance crews have six snowplows prepared and ready in the Las Vegas Valley as well as another two dozen machines scattered throughout NDOT’s District I coverage area, which includes Clark, Lincoln, Esmeralda, Mineral and Nye counties,” said Tony Illia, public information officer for the department.

Drivers are encouraged to use extreme caution while driving in winter storms, and drive slowly and allow for greater braking distances.

If traveling to Las Vegas area for New Year’s Eve, leave the Pahrump area with a full tank of gas and a cell phone. Also carry blankets, water, and sustainable food just in case of an emergency.