District: District 3 - Marysville
Contact: Raquel Borrayo
Phone: (530) 634-7640; (530) 701-5209
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARYSVILLE – The National Weather Service (NWS) is anticipating strong, incoming winter storms beginning Monday evening and lasting through Thursday of next week.
Sierra travel will be impacted with chain controls anticipated throughout most of the week on Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 50 and secondary area highways. Motorists are advised to be prepared for winter travel and carry chains as permitted chain installers do not sell traction devices.
From Monday night into Tuesday, approximately 12 to 18 inches of snow is anticipated over Donner Summit with 8 to 12 inches expected over Echo Summit. The snowfall elevation is predicted down to 3,000 feet.
In addition, a second, potentially larger snow storm is anticipated Wednesday and Thursday with gusty winds, valley rain, heavy mountain snow, and low snow levels at 2,000 feet estimated by NWS. Details of this second storm and its impacts are still developing.
Caltrans reminds drivers to winterize vehicles by ensuring tires are properly inflated and have good tread, and to stock vehicles with water, blankets, snacks, a flashlight and a full tank of gas before mountain travel. Further tips for safe winter driving and information about chain controls can be found here.
Motorists are also reminded of highway speed limits during chain controls: 30 mph on Interstate 80 and 25 mph on U.S. Highway 50. Driving slowly for weather conditions is crucial to avoid collisions on snowy and icy roads.
Check out Caltrans' “QuickMap” for current road conditions and chain requirements at QuickMap or download the free QuickMap app on the App Store or Google Play. Motorists also can call the California Highway Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).
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