Truck chains nowhere to be found as unexpected snowstorm plagued I-80 through the Sierras 

An unexpected snowstorm left some truckers stranded in Nevada over the weekend and into Monday. 

The snowstorm and subsequent chain requirements began on Mother’s Day Sunday and stretched into midday Monday on Interstate 80 near Tahoe, along with Highway 50 from Twin Bridges to Meyers.

Even drivers familiar with the area were unprepared for the late-season snow storm and were not carrying chains, leaving them with the option to wait out the storm or search for truck chains. 

“I don’t have [chains] actually, because it’s May. [There’s usually] no snow. All chains are out of my truck,” one trucker said. He went on to explain that truck chains were apparently in short supply, forcing him to wait out the chain requirements. 

“People aren’t prepared for snow in May,” Chain installer Chris Lotito said to Good Day Sacramento.

“I don’t want to pay the $130 for 15 miles for the chains,” explained a motorist looking to pass through the area. She says that chains were just $60 a few years ago. 

“We get our chains or metal from China,” Lotito said. “It’s just hard getting them here, and the cost of shipping has doubled, the cost of trucking has doubled…cost of fuel.”