CALIFORNIA, USA — Rain and snow bring hazardous travel conditions Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect in the western slope of the northern Sierra Nevada until 8 p.m. Wednesday. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until the same time for the eastern slope, including the Greater Lake Tahoe area.
This is the first big snow of the season with some areas getting close to a foot of snow. The National Weather Service said Wednesday morning that snow is falling around 3,500 feet. Travel impacts are expected today. In addition, wind gusting at nearly 30 miles per hour will blow the snow around, causing reduced visibility.
Find winter driving tips from Caltrans HERE.
Road Conditions
Snow in the mountains Wednesday could impact commute times as roads are slick. Drivers on I-80 or US-50 should be prepared for chain controls.
Interstate 80
- Cisco Grove to Truckee: Chain controls are in effect for all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive or with snow tires on all wheels
- Eastbound I-80 near California/Nevada border: Significant delays at Verdi near Gold Ranch Road after a crash involving six semi-trucks and a vehicle. There were no serious injuries reported, according to Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District
See the latest road conditions and chain controls HERE.
Highway 50
- Twin Bridges to Meyers: Chain controls are in effect for all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive or with snow tires on all wheels
The National Weather Service is calling on people to get their vehicles ready as the colder weather continues, which includes getting snow chains handy.
See the latest road conditions and chain controls HERE.
School Closures
All schools in the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District are closed Wednesday for a snow day. This includes extra-curricular activities.
"This decision was made due to icy road conditions and no overnight plowing district-wide, which creates a hazardous driving situation for our bus transportation operations," the district wrote in a statement.
How much rain is expected?
The valley could see about a quarter of an inch of rain.
How much snow is expected?
Several inches of snow are expected to fall in the Sierra, with most locations above 5,000 feet seeing around 3-8". The highest peaks and passes could see closer to a foot of snow.
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Watch more on ABC10: Winter Storm's rain, snow heading for Northern California
