MARYSVILLE March 5, 2019 – Caltrans is alerting motorists to another strong winter storm that will impact mountain and valley highway travel in Northern California Tuesday through Friday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Sacramento has issued a winter storm warning effective 4 p.m. Tuesday through 10 a.m. Thursday advising the public of heavy snow and high wind gusts that will make mountain travel difficult above 6,000 feet.
A Pacific storm is expected to arrive Tuesday afternoon with the heaviest period of snow anticipated Tuesday evening through Wednesday. Travel is not advised during this period as high wind gusts of 50 mph along ridges may also create whiteout conditions. Another 24 to 36 inches of snow is anticipated at Donner Summit Tuesday through Friday, with 24 to 30 inches possible at Echo Summit.
Delays, chain controls and longer travel times are anticpated due to inclement weather conditions. Highway closures due to safety concerns may also be a possibility in the region: Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 50 and State Routes 20, 28, 49, 89 and 267.
Caltrans reminds drivers to check that tires are properly inflated and have a good tread, and to stock vehicles with water, blankets, snacks, a flashlight and a full tank of gas before mountain travel. Further tips for safe winter driving and information about chain controls can be found at http://www.dot.ca.gov/cttravel/winter.html.
Check out Caltrans’ “QuickMap” for current road conditions and chain requirements at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov. For real-time traffic, download the QuickMap app on iTunes or Google Play. Motorists also can use the California Highway Information Network automated phone service by calling 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).