Mid-Week Storm Will Impact Sierra Travel

Published:

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District:  District 3 - Marysville
Contact:  Raquel Borrayo
Phone:  (530) 634-7640; (530) 701-5209

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARYSVILLE – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning between Tuesday morning and Wednesday evening in anticipation of more winter weather in the Sierra.

Travel will be impacted with chain-control periods anticipated Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon on Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 50 and secondary area highways. One foot to 18 inches of snow is anticipated at 6,500 feet or higher, which will impact I-80 at Donner Summit.

Snow impacts on U.S. 50 at Echo Summit are anticipated to be four to six inches. Low visibility also may occur at periods due to anticipated high winds at pass levels. Motorists are advised to be prepared for winter travel and carry chains as permitted chain installers do not sell traction devices.

In addition, two to three inches of rain is anticipated in the foothills with one-half to one inch possible in valley areas. Motorists are reminded to slow down based on weather conditions and to use headlights, even during daytime hours, when rain is falling.

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 at Winter Driving Tips.

The California Highway Patrol South Lake Tahoe office also recently released an informational video with useful winter travel tips that can be viewed at: Facebook.

Motorists are also reminded of highway speed limits during chain controls: 30 mph on Interstate 80 and 25 mph on Highway 50. Driving slowly for weather conditions is crucial to avoid collisions on snowy, 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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