Winter storm warning, chain law in effect for Sierras as “unsettled weather” brings snow, rain
A winter storm warning is in effect in Northern California as snow falls along the Sierra and the foothills.
The advisory was in effect as of Monday morning as is expected to remain in effect until 10 p.m. on Tuesday, December 14th.
Unless you have to, I'd wait to travel to/from the Sierra until Tuesday afternoon. Heavy snow and high winds make for treacherous travel. pic.twitter.com/jmimaj3a3f
— Adam Epstein (@WeathermanAdam) December 13, 2021
According to Fox 40, snow was falling heavily in the Blue Canyon Area on Monday at 6 a.m., with flurries falling at around 5,600 feet near the Cisco Grove exit along Interstate 80. Chains are currently required for drivers heading up the mountain on I-80 and for east and westbound drivers between Truckee and Nyack. Truckers must also stop for a chain check at the Applegate exit. Chains are also required on eastbound Highway 50 from Kyburz to Meyers.
Snow is sticking to the ground in Kingvale. ❄️ A bulldozer is working to clear the roads. Be cautious if you are driving up here.
— Eytan Wallace (@EytanWallace) December 13, 2021
Elevation: 6,118 ft pic.twitter.com/YDPvWMT2x5
20 to 30 mph winds with 45 to 50 mph gusts are expected in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys and the Delta through Tuesday, along with a potential for 2 to 5 inches of rain.
A second winter storm capable of producing ‘continuous snow’ is also predicted to hit the California, Nevada border in the middle of the week. This storm could potentially wreak havoc along Donner Summit on Interstate 80.
“This Atmospheric River will continue to bring unsettled weather,” the National Weather Service warned.
🛰️ A view of our current weather system from above. This Atmospheric River will continue to bring unsettled weather, with the heaviest rain & snow impacting #NorCal tonight thru Tuesday morning. Find satellite imagery at: https://t.co/27LQryotaV #CAwx pic.twitter.com/M8g0HpORbu
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) December 12, 2021
“With this storm coming in, it’s going to be a wakeup call to a lot of folks,” said Edan Weishahn of the Reno weather service.
“Well, just be careful. Slow down. Don’t rush. Just be comfortable. Safety is the number one,” said Yosef Musa, a truck driver who had stopped to chain up along Interstate 80.