Massive Sierra Snowstorm Set to Hit Northern California on Monday
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A major storm is forecasted to blanket the Sierra Nevada with substantial snowfall while soaking the Northern California region on Monday. The KCRA 3 weather team has declared an Alert Day due to the hazardous travel conditions expected, particularly at elevations exceeding 5,000 feet.
As the storm progresses, travel is highly discouraged in affected areas, especially in the Sierra, where chain controls are currently enforced. This means that all vehicles—except those equipped with four-wheel drive and snow tires—must utilize chains to navigate the snow-covered roads. Chain requirements are in effect on major highways including Interstate 80, where speed limits will be reduced to 30 mph, and Highway 50, where speeds will dip to 25 mph.
Weather Forecast and Impacts
The storm is anticipated to deliver several feet of snow over the next few days, particularly at higher altitudes. While rain totals will be significantly less than snowfall amounts, enough precipitation is expected to keep roads wet and create the potential for minor flooding. However, rivers and creeks are not projected to reach flood stage.
In addition to snow and rain, the National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory from 10 a.m. Monday through 10 p.m. Wednesday. Wind gusts may reach between 35-45 mph, increasing the risk of power outages and downed tree limbs as loose objects are blown around in the gusty conditions.
Live Traffic and Road Updates
As of 12:35 p.m., the following updates on chain controls and road conditions are available:
- Interstate 80: Chains required from 2.1 miles east of Baxter in Placer County to the Nevada state line.
- Highway 50: Chains required from Twin Bridges to Meyers.
- Highway 20: Chains required from Washington Road to the I-80 junction in Nevada County. Note that parts of Highway 20 are currently closed to eastbound traffic from Nevada Street in Nevada City due to vehicle recovery operations.
Recent incidents have led to the closure of both directions of Interstate 80 from Colfax to the Nevada state line due to multiple spinouts and crashes. Significant delays are anticipated.
Current Conditions
- 10:49 AM: Eastbound I-80 at Colfax Road closed due to spinouts.
- 10:18 AM: Big rigs held eastbound on I-80 at Applegate owing to severe weather conditions.
- 9:29 AM: Westbound I-80 in the Truckee area has reopened after earlier closures.
Important Safety Measures
Travelers should prioritize safety during this storm. Utilize the following resources for real-time updates on road conditions, Doppler radar, and traffic statuses:
As the storm unfolds, stay tuned for continuous updates and heed all advisories from local authorities. Preparedness is key to ensuring safety while navigating the challenging weather conditions expected across Northern California.
For comprehensive coverage of weather reports and updates, visit KCRA News and follow them on their YouTube channel.
