A driver had to be extricated Jan. 7 after sliding off Pioneer Trail in South Lake Tahoe. Photo/SLTFD

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a winter storm watch for the greater Lake Tahoe area from 7pm Jan. 8 to 4pm Jan. 9.

Predictions are for snow accumulation of 12-18 inches above 7,500 feet, 2 feet along the Sierra crest. At lake level a couple inches are possible.

Rain is expected to start Sunday and be coming down the better part of Monday. By Thursday is should be mostly sunny.

Roads will be icy as the temps drop after the rain. There are already slick spots out there.

South Lake Tahoe firefighters on Sunday morning had to extricate a driver on Pioneer Trail. The driver was is stable conditions when transported to the hospital. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report