Mountain snow could make travel difficult near Las Vegas

Travel in mountain terrain in the Las Vegas region could be difficult Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

A winter storm warning has been issued for all higher elevation around Las Vegas and in Mohave County in Arizona.

Up to 20 inches of snow is possible in the Spring Mountains, Sheep Range and mountains in southeast Lincoln County. Northern Mohave County in Arizona could receive 4-7 inches of snow. The warning runs through 4 p.m. Friday.

“Travel could be very difficult, especially on (state Route) 160 across the Mountain Spring Summit,” states the winter storm warning.

The warning also lists state Routes 156, 157 and 158 into Kyle and Lee canyons for difficult travel. Higher elevations of Red Rock Loop could be affected, as well as all highways in Lincoln County and (state Route) 389 and Mount Trumbull Loop in northern Mohave County, the warning said.

The Nevada Highway Patrol tweeted on Thursday that chains or 4-wheel drive are required on Mount Charleston.

Rain possible in valley

Skies will be overcast on Thursday and there is a 50 percent chance of rain during the day. The rain prediction drops to 40 percent for Thursday night. Winds should be light through the day and into the evening.

The Thursday high in Las Vegas is expected to be around 55 with an overnight low near 45.

Precipitation could continue on Friday with a 40 percent chance of showers before 10 a.m. The high should reach 56. Light winds in the morning and wind gusts up to 21 mph in the afternoon and into the evening.

Skies should be mostly clear throughout the day and into the night. Low near 34.

New Year’s Day should be clear with highs in the mid-40s.

Contact Marvin Clemons at mclemons@reviewjournal.com. Follow @Marv_in_Vegas on Twitter.