Clouds are moving fast across the sky today. A storm is coming; so says the National Weather Service. Winds are already beginning to pick up here in Reno.

This morning there are five special weather statements and warnings for our area, including Reno, Sparks, Washoe City, Carson City and Lake Tahoe. One is a high wind warning for the entire region. Another is a blizzard watch for Lake Tahoe. Antother a winter storm watch for Truckee.

Concerning the plants, there's not a whole lot that can be done about fruit trees and ornamentals already in full bloom. The high winds just might blow the blossoms right off the branches. Many trees and shrubs are still in the early budding stage, which is hopeful. The cool weather vegetables already in the ground, they'll get pushed around a bit, but should be okay. Although, if you can, they will probably enjoy some protection from the wind, blowing sand and snow. Watch your newly planted perennials for excessive drying from the high winds. You just might need to give them some extra water. This includes trees and shrubs. In areas where snow will fall, the perennials will most likely benefit from the protection and moisture the snow will provide. If snow does fall in the valley floors, it will most likely melt quickly as it usually does this time of year.

Here's some of what the National Weather Service has to say:

The initial threat is a dangerous down slope wind event this afternoon through Tuesday morning. Ridge winds well over 100 mph will mix to the lower elevations with damaging wind gusts over 70 mph likely to affect the eastern slopes of mountain ranges... By Tuesday morning the cold front will maintain the strong surface winds. Ahead of the front ...sustained winds of 25 to 40 mph with gusts near 60 mph will continue until the cold front passes... Winds of this magnitude will likely create a dust storm with visibility near zero across Pershing, Churchill, Lyon and Mineral counties.

Another weather statement warns of a "blizzard watch" beginning tomorrow morning for the greater Lake Tahoe area. More from the National Weather Service:

Confidence remains high that a strong jet stream in the central pacific and a cold low pressure system in the gulf of Alaska will converge on the Sierra and Western nevada today and tuesday. This combination will produce favorable conditions for strong to damaging down slope winds and a period of heavy snow in the Northern Sierra...Snow accumulations of a foot or more above 7000 feet and up to 10 inches below 7000 feet are possible...

Good luck little gardens!