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CALIFORNIA, USA — Drivers heading into the Sierra are being urged to delay travel as a major winter storm brings chain controls, traffic holds and extended delays on Interstate 80 and Highway 50.
According to the California Department of Transportation, conditions on Monday matched forecasts that called for several feet of snow in the mountains and heavy rain in lower elevations.
I-80 is experiencing traffic delays Monday, including restrictions on eastbound truck traffic due to spinouts and unsafe speeds in snowy conditions. Highway 50 is also experiencing significant backups as drivers attempt to leave the Tahoe area.
Before lanes can reopen, crews must clear spinouts and stalled vehicles, which can significantly extend travel times.
Steve Nelson, a Caltrans spokesperson, said drivers should expect delays well beyond normal travel times during peak storm impacts.
“If you have what could be a two-hour drive, it’s going to be a six-hour drive,” Nelson said, referring to traffic holds and chain control checkpoints.
Chain controls remain in effect on both I-80 and Highway 50 as crews continue snow removal operations.
Caltrans strongly advises against non-essential travel in the Sierra during the height of the storm, especially during periods of heavy snowfall and high traffic volumes.
Drivers who must travel are urged to:
Check real-time conditions before leaving using Caltrans’ QuickMap or another trusted traffic app
Carry chains and know how to install them
Slow down and drive for conditions
Allow significantly extra time for travel
Be prepared for possible traffic holds
Nelson emphasized that some drivers may not expect a storm of this magnitude in mid-February and may be unprepared for winter driving.
“We highly advise not to drive in the Sierra today,” Nelson said, adding that travelers should know current conditions before heading out.
Snow levels are expected to drop into lower elevations through Tuesday, potentially impacting communities such as Auburn, Placerville and Grass Valley areas that may not see frequent snowfall.
Nelson said drivers in those areas should prepare for snow-covered roads and possible chain controls.
“If people aren’t used to driving in snow, they need to be aware they’re going to hit conditions they might not be used to,” Nelson said.
Drivers without proper equipment or unfamiliar with chain installation may be turned around at checkpoints.
Caltrans has activated storm protocols, with crews working 12-hour shifts around the clock. I-80 remains a primary focus given its importance to commerce and regional travel.
During major storms, maintenance crews from the Sacramento Valley are brought into the Sierra to assist with snow removal operations along I-80 and Highway 50.
In the valley, crews are also monitoring drainage systems due to flooding concerns from heavy rain.
Caltrans officials say their goal is to keep highways open as much as possible, but safety remains the top priority as the storm is expected to continue through midweek.
Watch more on ABC10: Winter storm threatens Pollock Pines, Sierra travel; delays likely
