On Sunday, a snowstorm in the Sierras with winds of up to 100 mph shut down a 111-mile section of California roadway, disrupting ski and holiday traffic.
Whiteout
Highway 50 in northern California was closed from Placerville to Meyers, with "no expected timing of reopening," according to Caltrans authorities.
Meanwhile, officials said that a 70-mile section of Interstate Highway 80, which was blocked on Christmas Day, remained closed Sunday from Colfax in north-central California to the Nevada border due to the storm's "zero visibility."
Caltrans authorities released a short video demonstrating the hazardous conditions on I-80.
Caltrans working around the clock & combating the storm to keep I-80 maintained. Earlier this afternoon, crews took footage of the storm to show the poor visibility & high winds on I-80 in the Sierra. This is why I-80 is CLOSED today.🥶 #SafetyFirst #KnowBeforeYouGo @CHP_Truckee pic.twitter.com/1Imd6qmYYQ
— Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) December 26, 2021
On Saturday, the California Highway Patrol released a video of the I-80 whiteout.
Wondering why I-80 is currently closed? Here’s what I-80 looks like right now 😳🙀❄️ pic.twitter.com/VfhVFnLSwu
— CHP Truckee (@CHP_Truckee) December 25, 2021
Related Article: Icy Weather Caused a Massive Pile Up of Over 40 Vehicles in Wisconsin
Blocked Highways
The two motorways connect the Lake Tahoe ski resorts along the Nevada border with the San Francisco Bay region. Several ski resorts, as well as other stretches of state roads, have been closed.
"If you have the luxury of being at home and not having to drive today, take advantage," weather authorities in Reno, Nevada, cautioned in a tweet on Sunday. The wind is gusting to 52 mph at the workplace with a wind chill of 6 degrees. It's pretty iced outside, making driving extremely hazardous."
On Sunday, Highway 395 in Washoe County, Nevada, was blocked due to a 20-car pileup. Weather conditions were described as "severe" by California firemen who assisted in the disaster.
Winter Storm Warning
On Sunday, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the Sierra Nevada, predicting "difficult to impossible travel conditions" through Tuesday AM. Meteorologists forecast up to eight feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada during that period.
Current situation across the region. If you have the luxury of staying home and not having to drive today, take advantage. Currently gusting to 52 mph and a wind chill of 6 degrees at the office. It's very icy out with dangerous driving conditions. Stay safe! #NVwx #CAwx https://t.co/tTF37XVO5k
— NWS Reno (@NWSReno) December 26, 2021
Tire chains, thick winter clothing, and extra food and drink were recommended for travelers.
California Drought
The snow is excellent news for California's long-running drought, even if it is dangerous. In October, the state experienced its driest year in nearly a century.
The Sierra snowpack was dangerously low, but the state Department of Water Resources estimated it was between 114 percent and 137 percent of normal across the range on Friday, with further snow predicted.
According to other negative news in the state, Highway 1 in Southern California was closed due to a rock avalanche.
Winter Accident
Although most accidents do not occur during the winter, many of those are very catastrophic. Winter automobile accidents on ice or snowy roads may cause significant property damage, serious injuries, and death.
Snow, sleet, ice, and temperatures below freezing all impact driving conditions. During the winter, driver performance in winter hazards, excellent vehicle maintenance, and common sense contribute to safety. Prepare your car-and yourself-for the challenges of winter driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), "failure to maintain in proper lane or to go off the road" and "to drive too fast for circumstances" are two of the most common poor driver habits. Inclement weather makes these habits even riskier, so take extra measures on the road.
Also Read: Texas Freeze Survivor Uses Tiktok to Help Others Prepare for Intense Winter
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