GRASS VALLEY, Calif. — For Tuesday's updates click HERE.
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Monday's story:
A major Christmas weekend storm caused whiteout conditions and closed key highways amid blowing snow in the mountains of Northern California and Nevada.
An I-80 closure has people planted in Applegate, trying to pass the time until roads reopen. Many didn't expect how long the closure would actually take, and others didn't even know the major roadway was shut down.
"They closed the entire freeway going that way so they told us we have to go a few hours back and go all the way around. So, uh, not the best,” said Alex Task, traveling from San Francisco.
US-50 Opening Updates
Just after noon on Tuesday, Caltrans announced that US-50 has reopened after a semi-truck jackknifed on the highway caused Highway to be closed Tuesday morning.
I-80 Closure Updates
Interstate 80 remains closed as a winter storm dumps snow onto the area roadways. CHP Truckee said conditions are not good over Donner Summit and that the roadway still has no estimated time of reopening.
Caltrans echoed a similar sentiment, cautioning people who might take Rollins Lake to sneak past the closure. Officials simply said drivers will not get through.
I-80 is closed between Colfax and the Nevada Stateline.
"You will be turned around and you're putting crews at risk who are working to clear downed trees, snow, etc.," Caltrans said.
CHP Headquarters add to the calls to heed the road closures, noting that some people are trying to get around them with GPS only to become stranded on roads not designed for winter travel.
Highway Updates
- Highway 50 open from Placerville to Meyers
- I-80 closed from Colfax to the Nevada State-line
- Eastbound Highway 20 closed at Nevada Street
- Highway 89 closed from Eagle Point Campground to Bliss State Park
- Highway 89 closed at Sierraville to Sattley
- Highway 89 closed at Bliss State Park
- Highway 89 closed between CA-4 and US-395
- Highway 49 closed from Downieville to Sattley
- Highway 70 closed from Jarbo Gap to the Greenville Wye
- SR-267 open from s/o Truckee to SR-28 junction
- SR-299 remains closed from Burnt Ranch to 4.4 miles east of Salyer
Live Maps
Live map showing traffic conditions along Interstate 80, Highway 50, Highway 89 around Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Mountains.
Snow Park locations are identified with purple markers.
Highway 50 open
Caltrans said Highway 50 has reopened from Placerville to Meyers. Chains are required on all vehicles, except those with four-wheel drive and snow tires.
Highway Closures update:
- I-80 closed from Colfax to the Nevada Stateline
- Eastbound Highway 20 closed at Nevada Street
- Highway 89 closed from Eagle Point Campground to Bliss State Park
- Highway 89 closed at Sierraville to Sattley
- Highway 89 closed from Tahoe City to Squaw Valley Road
- Highway 89 closed between CA-4 and US-395
- State Route 299 remains closed from Burnt Ranch to 4.4 miles east of Salyer
Highway 49 blockages
The Sierra County Sheriff's Office said Highway 49 was completely blocked with downed trees, powerlines, and telephone lines between Camptonville and Indian Valley. Deputies are asking people to avoid traveling through the area.
Ski Resorts Closed
Multiple ski resorts including Palisades Tahoe, Sugar Bowl Resort and Northstar California Resort will not be open Monday because of road closures and safety.
The National Weather Service sent out a special statement saying hail is possible before 2:45 p.m. in Sacramento County as a strong thunderstorm moves into the area.
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until Tuesday morning. More rounds of rain and snowfall continue through the week.
The Sierra will pick up several feet of snow. Continued heavy snowfall in the Sierra will bring avalanche concerns for the Sierra backcountry until Monday morning. The valley and foothills will pick up an additional 0.50-1 inch of rain.
Initially, the foothills will see a mix of rain and snow through the cycle of storms, but colder air will bring lowering snow levels which could bring foothill locations appreciable snowfall.
There is a Winter Storm Warning for foothill locations above 1,000ft until 10 am Tuesday. Heavy snow expected with snow totals from 9 to 13" Hardest hit spots could see up to 45 inches near 3,000 feet.
Road Closures
Highway 89 is closed as of Monday at 11 a.m from Bliss State Park to Eagle Point Campground, according to CHP.
Highway 50 is closed in both directions as of Monday at 10 a.m. between Placerville and Meyers, according to Caltrans.
Interstate 80 will remain closed in both directions between Applegate and the Nevada state line as of Monday, according to Caltrans.
Highway 49 is closed between Camptonville and Indian Valley. The Sierra County Sheriff's Office is asking travelers not to use this route.
► Check the Caltrans road information tool for the latest on any highway in California.
Truckee Police Department said, "vehicles stuck in the roadways significantly slows down the snow removal operation. Please do not drive unless it is absolutely necessary."
STORM RESOURCES:
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► GET WEATHER ALERTS TO YOUR PHONE | Download the ABC10 mobile app
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