CALIFORNIA, USA — Here are the latest updates on the conditions in the Sierra.
A major winter storm is bringing blizzard conditions that are still impacting the northern parts of California.
Interstate 80, an arterial freeway connecting Lake Tahoe with the foothills and valley remains closed. Caltrans doesn't expect the roadway to reopen until sometime Monday.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the only other major highway out of Tahoe, Highway 50, was closed for a short time Sunday morning after a minor avalanche swallowed cars. It's unclear how many cars were trapped.
Caltrans crews freed the stuck cars and have since re-opened the highway. The intense conditions Sunday proved difficult for Caltrans' snow blowers.
According to Caltrans, eight of its 10 snow blowers dedicated to clearing roadways in the Kingvale area were down Sunday due to complications related to the blizzard. At its Auburn station, only six of its 20 snow blowers were in service.
A Blizzard Warning has been extended through midnight for areas in the Sierra above 6,500 feet. Clearing is expected to start Sunday morning with a few lingering showers. Snow showers likely linger through Monday and into Tuesday.
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Lighter rain accumulations are affecting the valley as the cold storm makes it less impactful than in the Sierra. Caltrans has warned truckers not to use highways 49 and 20 as alternative routes through the Sierra.
Be prepared for travel delays, chain controls and possible road closures throughout the weekend.
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Traffic
Here are the latest road conditions and an interactive Caltrans map.
Interstate 5
- A high wind advisory is in effect over the Elkhorn Bridge & over the Elkhorn Causeway /north of Sacramento/ (Yolo Co) - Travel is not recommended for campers, trailers, or permit loads
Interstate 80
- Is closed from Colfax (Placer Co) to the Nevada State Line - Due to snow
- Is closed to all tractor-semitrailer combinations from Applegate (Placer Co) to the Nevada State Line - Due to traction concerns
- Chains are required on all vehicles except 4-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all 4 wheels from Colfax (Placer Co) to the Nevada State Line
- Please research chain control locations as Caltrans is currently working to update chain control descriptions for consistency with internet mapping, like Google Maps & Mapquest
- Eastbound trucks are being screened at Applegate (Placer Co) - Drivers must have maximum chains in their possession in order to proceed - Permit loads are prohibited
- A high wind advisory is in effect from the Solano/Yolo Co Line to the Yolo/Sacramento Co Line - Travel is not recommended for campers, trailers, or permit loads
Highway 50
- Chains are required on all vehicles except 4-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all 4 wheels from 1 mi west of Kyburz to Meyers (El Dorado Co)
- Eastbound trucks are being screened at Twin Bridge (El Dorado Co) - Drivers must have maximum chains in their possession in order to proceed - Permit loads are prohibited
- Westbound trucks are being screened at Meyers (El Dorado Co) - Drivers must have maximum chains in their possession in order to proceed - Permit loads are prohibited
TRAFFIC
Sacramento region traffic map:
Radar:
Radar map from ABC10.com. Adjust the layers with a filter on the bottom right corner to show rain, snow, wind and current temperatures:
Watch more on ABC10 | California Weather: Biggest winter storm of season could bring record snow with blizzard
