Intense Snowstorm Closed Down a 111-Mile Stretch of California Highway

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.

On Saturday, the California Highway Patrol released a video of the I-80 whiteout.

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.

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.

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