SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend approaches as another storm system is headed into the Sacramento region and is expected to bring heavy rain to the Valley, heavy snow to the Sierra and gusty winds.
The conditions could present travel dangers for drivers. Caltrans is asking drivers to avoid travel this weekend and stay home.
If they don't heed the warning, drivers should be prepared for delays, chain control checkpoints and road closings heading up to the mountains.
After a round of winter storms hit the Sierra in recent weeks, Caltrans crews utilized a small break in the weather to clear roads. Chief Deputy Director Mike Keever said their efforts allowed the agency to reopen about 30 of 60 roads that had recently been closed.
With this next storm system on the way, drivers should prepare for more heavy snow in the Sierra.
"We're doing everything we can to keep the highways open but the safety of the public is and will remain number one so we will be working with the patrol and close highways as needed in order to do that," said Keever.
The incoming winter weather conditions present travel concerns, including the potential for icy roads, reduced visibility and spinouts. Spinouts and chain controls were already reported multiple times throughout Friday.
"If you're heading up to the Sierra, there is a major winter storm warning through this weekend. Please take those storm warnings seriously," said Keever.
This kind of weather also presents challenges for truck drivers.
"When you talk tractors and trailers, you talk about 80,000 pounds rolling down the road. It's very easy to go from minor [injury] to fatality pretty darn quick so it's my primary focus to make sure the drivers get home safe," said Tim Aboussleman with Reno based ITS Logistics that offers transportation, distribution and fulfillment services.
If you absolutely must get out on the roads this weekend, check weather and travel conditions before you go. Download the Caltrans QuickMap app or check their online map for an update on road closures and checkpoints.
If chains are required, Caltrans said drivers who don't have them will be turned around if their vehicle doesn't meet requirements.
Maintenance crews will also be out on the roads, so if you see them clearing the highways, don't crowd the plows.
For more information on chain controls and chain installation, visit Caltrans' website HERE.
