MARYSVILLE December 14, 2018 – Caltrans District 3 is alerting motorists to incoming weather systems in Northern California, which will bring rain and snow Friday through Monday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Storm Warning for two weather systems expected to arrive Friday and continue through Monday morning. The weakest of the two systems will arrive Friday evening and continue through Saturday morning, with snow levels dropping to 5,000-5,500 feet and mountain wind gusts reaching 60 mph.
A second, stronger system is expected to arrive Sunday afternoon and continue through Monday morning, delivering rain in the Valley and snow at 5,500-6,000 feet. Those traveling along Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 50 Sunday through Monday should account for travel delays due to snow.
Chain controls on I-80 over Donner Summit, on Highway 50 over Echo Summit and on other Sierra mountain roadways should be anticipated Friday evening through Monday morning. Caltrans permitted and trained chain installers on I-80 can be identified by a reflective sign with their bib number.
Wet and slippery roadways reduce tire traction, especially at high vehicle speeds. Hydroplaning caused by vehicle speed and rain accumulations on the roadway can result in loss of driver control. Motorists are encouraged to slow down and observe winter driving tips, which 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).
Caltrans crews will be working around the clock to keep the roadways open and clear. Motorists are urged to be “Be Work Zone Alert” and to “Slow for the Cone Zone.”