Trucks stopped on Interstate 80 as late-season storm blankets Sierra
Authorities on Thursday morning were stopping all commercial trucks in both directions on Interstate 80 from Applegate in Placer County to the Nevada state line amid snowy weather conditions in the Sierra Nevada.
At 9 a.m. Wednesday, Caltrans reported commercial trucks were being turned around due to “traction issues” over the summit. Chain controls have been in effect on Interstate 80 throughout the morning.
A strong storm moving through Northern California was expected to peak Thursday, blanketing the mountains with several feet of snow at the highest elevations. The National Weather Service in Sacramento on Thursday morning said heavy snowfall in the mountains was causing hazardous travel conditions, including zero visibility and major travel delays. The
Weather Service said driving through the mountains was highly discouraged.
There were some reports of vehicle spinouts on I-80. Caltrans said tire chains were required on all vehicles except 4-wheel drive vehicles with snow tires from Baxter in Placer County to the Nevada state line.
The California Highway Patrol Truckee Area Office reported traffic was “slow and go” Thursday morning due to spinouts, traffic collisions and high winds.