SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — With a Blizzard Warning set to go into effect early morning Monday, authorities are calling on people to avoid any Sierra and mountain travel for a while.
Sunday saw rain and snow along with cold temperatures. However, that rain and snow tapered off by late Sunday night, providing a brief break before a more powerful storm makes its appearance on Monday.
Rain picks back up in the valley Monday morning, but heavy snow will have already began before sunrise. The heaviest band of rain is likely to move through in the mid-morning hours on Monday, along with heavy snow.
Winds will be strong in both the valley and across the Sierra, prompting a Wind Advisory in the valley and a Blizzard Warning in the Sierra. On and off rain will continue on Monday but snow in the mountains will be nearly constant.
"If that happens, really wind is one of our worst enemies because of visibility issues," said Steve Nelson, spokesperson for Caltrans.
Wind gusts are expected to reach up to 60 miles per hour, which can make for dangerous situations when combined with snow. It could lead to traffic being held on Interstate 80.
"Definitely a possibility over the next two days, Monday and Tuesday, that it's going to be extreme driving conditions and really not advisable unless you absolutely have to travel," said Nelson.
I-80 Road Conditions
Caltrans reopened Interstate 80 to passenger vehicles with chain controls in effect.
For the eastbound lanes, chains are required on all cars from 3.4 miles east of Gold Run in Placer County to Truckee in Nevada County. Chains for the westbound lanes also are required on all cars from Truckee to Colfax.
Hwy 50 Road Conditions
Along Highway 50, chains are required from from Fresh Pond to Meyers.
Traffic Map
For traffic, view the Waze map below for live updates.
WATCH ALSO:
