District: District 3 - Marysville
Contact: Raquel Borrayo, (530) 701-5209 Steve Nelson, (530) 701-9459
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARYSVILLE – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Watch for an incoming weather system that will deliver mountain snow and valley rain showers over the weekend.
The storm is expected to arrive Saturday afternoon with snow travel impacts anticipated to be the greatest Saturday evening and Sunday evening into Monday morning. Snow levels will start at 4,000 to 5,000 feet with levels dropping to around 3,000 feet by Monday morning. Approximately 24 to 30 inches of snow is possible on Interstate 80 over Donner Summit and on U.S. Highway 50 over Echo Summit through the weekend. Snow showers may linger into Wednesday.
In the valley areas, approximately 1 to 2 inches of rain is possible in Sacramento and Chico Saturday through Monday. Motorists are advised to increase buffer zones between vehicles on roadways, reduce speeds and turn on headlights to increase visibility when driving.
Shelter in place orders continue throughout the state of California to slow the spread of COVID-19. Only essential travel is recommended at this time.
Chain controls are anticipated during the upcoming storm. Motorists are reminded of highway speed limits during chain controls: 30 mph on I-80 and 25 mph on Highway 50.
Caltrans also 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.
Check out Caltrans' QuickMap for current road conditions and chain requirements 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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