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Tag: chain control

  • Northern California storm coverage: Zero-visibility snow shuts down I-80, Highway 50

    A storm that is dumping piles of Sierra snow and soaking rain on the Northern California region is expected to bring more on Tuesday.The KCRA 3 weather team issued an Alert Day for Tuesday because of how risky conditions could be. Travel in and out of the Sierra is highly discouraged.Find a full forecast here.Track Doppler radar, traffic and rain totals hereSee road conditions here.See school closings here.See viewer videos here. Scroll below for live weather updates as they happenChain controls are in effect for highways in the Sierra, which could receive several feet of snow through Wednesday, especially at higher elevations. When chain controls are in effect, all vehicles except those with four-wheel-drive and snow tires equipped are required to install chains. Speed limits are also reduced during chain controls. On Interstate 80, the speed limit becomes 30 mph, while on Highway 50, it becomes 25 mph.Rain totals will not be as ample as snow amounts, but enough rain will fall to keep the roads soaked and possibly cause minor flooding. But rivers and creeks are not expected to flood.The National Weather Service also issued a Wind Advisory from 10 a.m. Monday through 10 p.m. Wednesday because of wind gusts of up to 35-45 mph. Power outages and downed tree limbs are possible, and winds may blow loose objects around.Live updatesTuesday9:30 a.m.: Road officials are holding traffic on Highway 50 from Echo Summit to Meyers due to multiple vehicle spinouts. There is no estimated time of reopening.9:20 a.m.: The Sierra Avalanche Center issued an avalanche warning for parts of the area that include Truckee, Lake Tahoe and the areas south of the lake. The warning is in effect through 4 a.m. Wednesday.8:50 a.m.: These are highway conditions as of this writing.Interstate 80The road remains shut down from Colfax to the Nevada state line. Chains are required from 3.4 miles east of Gold Run in Placer County to the Nevada state line.Highway 50Chains are required from 4 miles east of Placerville to Meyers.Highway 88The road is closed from 3.5 miles east of Silver Lake to Kirkwood in Amador County due to snow. Chains are required from 9 miles east of Pine Grove in Amador County to 3.5 miles east of Silver Lake in Amador County.Highway 89The road is closed at Emerald Bay State Park due to snow.Chains are required from 5 miles north of the Highway 50 junction to D.L. Bliss State Park in El Dorado County. Chain controls are also in effect from Truckee to the Sierra-Plumas County line.Highway 4Chains are required from Arnold to the Mt. Reba turnoff in Calaveras County.Highway 20Eastbound lanes are closed to all big rigs at Nevada Street in Nevada City due to snow.7:42 a.m.: According to Caltrans, eastbound Interstate 80 is closed to all traffic at Colfax, and westbound lanes remain closed to all traffic at the Nevada state line.Eastbound traffic at Applegate also remains closed to all trucks.7:15 a.m.: Caltrans is holding westbound Interstate 80 traffic at the Nevada state line due to multiple spinouts. No estimated time of reopening was released.All trucks heading eastbound on I-80 are being stopped at Applegate as traction issues worsen.7 a.m.: These are highway conditions as of this writing.Interstate 80 Chains are required from 3.4 miles east of Gold Run in Placer County to the Nevada state line.Highway 50Chains are required from 3 miles east of Placerville to Meyers.Highway 88The road is closed from 3.5 miles east of Silver Lake to Kirkwood in Amador County due to snow. Chains are required from Pine Grove to 1 mile west of Woodford in Alpine County.Highway 89The road is closed at Emerald Bay State Park due to snow.Chains are required from Picketts Junction to the Alpine-El Dorado County line. Chain controls are also in effect from D.L. Bliss State Park to Olympic Valley, as well as from Truckee to the Sierra-Plumas County line.Highway 4Chains are required from Arnold to the Mt. Reba turnoff in Calaveras County.6:25 a.m.: Interstate 80 and Highway 50 are open, but Highways 88, 89 and 4 are closed amid snowy conditions.Monday11:02 p.m.: Eastbound I-80 remains closed from Colfax to the Nevada State Line due to spinouts. 10:17 p.m.: Traffic is moving again on Highway 50 with chain controls in effect from Twin Bridges to Meyers, according to Caltrans. 9:23 p.m.: More than 3,420 Pacific Gas and Electric Co. customers in El Dorado County are without power after a tree made contact with a powerline. Power restoration is expected just before midnight. In Calaveras County, 4,454 customers lost power as a result of an unplanned outage. Power was expected to be restored at 2:45 a.m.Learn more. 8:44 p.m. A viewer sent us video of a high school soccer game that happened in the snow in Tuolumne today. 8:43 p.m.: Westbound Highway 50 is closed from Meyers to Twin Bridges in El Dorado County due to multiple spin-outs. 8 p.m.: Heather Waldman is giving a live update on Facebook and YouTube. 6:50 p.m.: The Pollock Pines Elementary School District and Silver Fork Elementary School District have canceled classes on Tuesday because of weather conditions. See more school closures here. 6:33 p.m.: Eastbound traffic on Interstate 80 is being held at Colfax after multiple spinouts. Highway 49, north of Crystal Boulevard, is also closed for a deadly crash investigation. Two people inside a vehicle died after a head-on collision. Another driver suffered major injuries. 5:21 p.m.: Michelle Bandur caught up with a kid braving the snowstorm in shorts. 4:46 p.m.: Brian Hickey shows what conditions are like for skiers at Palisades Tahoe in the video below. 4 p.m.: Here’s a look at the latest conditions in the Sierra below. 3:32 p.m.: Highway 88 is back open at Carson Spur after being closed for avalanche control. 1:35 p.m.: These are the current chain controls as of this writing.Interstate 80Eastbound: Chains are required from the Nevada state line to 2.1 miles east of Baxter in Placer County.Westbound: Chains are required from 2.1 miles east of Baxter in Placer County to the Nevada state line.Highway 50Chains are required from Twin Bridges to Meyers.Highway 89Chains are required from D.L Bliss State Park in El Dorado County to the I-80 junction.Highway 88Chains are required from Ham’s Station to Picketts Junction in Amador County.Highway 20Chains are required from Washington Road to the I-80 junction in Nevada County. The roads are also closed to eastbound traffic from Nevada Street in Nevada City to the I-80 junction while officials are performing a vehicle recovery.1:02 p.m.: Caltrans is holding traffic on westbound Highway 50 in Meyers for snow operations. It anticipates a reopening time of 2 p.m.The agency is also holding eastbound traffic at Twin Bridges but did not give an estimated time of reopening.12:35 p.m.: Reporter Michelle Bandur was at I-80 and Colfax when officials reopened the highway. Roads were shut down temporarily after multiple spinouts and crashes.11:38 a.m.: Caltrans said eastbound Highway 20 is closed from Nevada Street in Nevada City to the Interstate 80 junction. Westbound lanes are open.11:31 a.m.: Both directions of Interstate 80 from Colfax to the Nevada state line are closed due to multiple spinouts and crashes. Eastbound lines are being held at the state line, while westbound lanes are being held at Colfax.An estimated time of reopening was not given, but Caltrans said to expect significant delays.10:49 a.m.: Eastbound Interstate 80 at Colfax Road is closed due to vehicle spinouts. There is no estimated time of reopening.10:18 a.m.: Caltrans said big rigs are being held eastbound on Interstate 80 at Applegate due to weather conditions.10 a.m.: These are the current chain controls as of this writing.Interstate 80Chains are required from 2.1 miles east of Baxter in Placer County to the Nevada state line.Highway 50Chains are required from Twin Bridges to Meyers.Highway 20Chains are required from Washington Road to the I-80 junction in Nevada County.9:29 a.m.: Westbound Interstate 80 traffic in the Truckee area is again closed due to spinouts. There is no estimated time of reopening.9:19 a.m.: Road officials release westbound Interstate 80 traffic at Truckee after multiple spinouts were cleared.8:50 a.m.: Meteorologist Tamara Berg shares 24-hour rain totals as of 8:30 a.m. Monday.8:44 a.m.: Westbound Interstate 80 traffic at Truckee is being held due to multiple vehicle spinouts, Caltrans said.8:30 a.m.: These are the current chain controls as of this writing.Interstate 80Chains are required from 2.1 miles east of Baxter in Placer County to Truckee in Nevada County.Highway 50Chains are required from Twin Bridges to Meyers.8 a.m.: See storm coverage from the beginning of our 8 a.m. newscast.7:30 a.m.: Get a look at conditions in Soda Springs during a 7:30 a.m. live hit.7:25 a.m.: These are the current chain controls as of this writing.Interstate 80Chains are required from 2.1 miles east of Baxter in Placer County to Truckee in Nevada County.Highway 50Chains are required from Twin Bridges to Meyers.7:20 a.m.: According to an outage map, about 3,500 Pacific Gas & Electric Co. customers in Calaveras County are without power. The estimated time of restoration is 10 a.m. The cause of the outage has not been released.7 a.m.: See storm coverage from the beginning of our 7 a.m. newscast in the video player below.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    A storm that is dumping piles of Sierra snow and soaking rain on the Northern California region is expected to bring more on Tuesday.

    The KCRA 3 weather team issued an Alert Day for Tuesday because of how risky conditions could be. Travel in and out of the Sierra is highly discouraged.

    Chain controls are in effect for highways in the Sierra, which could receive several feet of snow through Wednesday, especially at higher elevations.

    When chain controls are in effect, all vehicles except those with four-wheel-drive and snow tires equipped are required to install chains. Speed limits are also reduced during chain controls. On Interstate 80, the speed limit becomes 30 mph, while on Highway 50, it becomes 25 mph.

    Rain totals will not be as ample as snow amounts, but enough rain will fall to keep the roads soaked and possibly cause minor flooding. But rivers and creeks are not expected to flood.

    The National Weather Service also issued a Wind Advisory from 10 a.m. Monday through 10 p.m. Wednesday because of wind gusts of up to 35-45 mph. Power outages and downed tree limbs are possible, and winds may blow loose objects around.

    Live updates

    Tuesday

    9:30 a.m.: Road officials are holding traffic on Highway 50 from Echo Summit to Meyers due to multiple vehicle spinouts. There is no estimated time of reopening.

    9:20 a.m.: The Sierra Avalanche Center issued an avalanche warning for parts of the area that include Truckee, Lake Tahoe and the areas south of the lake. The warning is in effect through 4 a.m. Wednesday.

    8:50 a.m.: These are highway conditions as of this writing.

    Interstate 80

    The road remains shut down from Colfax to the Nevada state line.

    Chains are required from 3.4 miles east of Gold Run in Placer County to the Nevada state line.

    Highway 50

    Chains are required from 4 miles east of Placerville to Meyers.

    Highway 88

    The road is closed from 3.5 miles east of Silver Lake to Kirkwood in Amador County due to snow.

    Chains are required from 9 miles east of Pine Grove in Amador County to 3.5 miles east of Silver Lake in Amador County.

    Highway 89

    The road is closed at Emerald Bay State Park due to snow.

    Chains are required from 5 miles north of the Highway 50 junction to D.L. Bliss State Park in El Dorado County. Chain controls are also in effect from Truckee to the Sierra-Plumas County line.

    Highway 4

    Chains are required from Arnold to the Mt. Reba turnoff in Calaveras County.

    Highway 20

    Eastbound lanes are closed to all big rigs at Nevada Street in Nevada City due to snow.

    7:42 a.m.: According to Caltrans, eastbound Interstate 80 is closed to all traffic at Colfax, and westbound lanes remain closed to all traffic at the Nevada state line.

    Eastbound traffic at Applegate also remains closed to all trucks.

    7:15 a.m.: Caltrans is holding westbound Interstate 80 traffic at the Nevada state line due to multiple spinouts. No estimated time of reopening was released.

    All trucks heading eastbound on I-80 are being stopped at Applegate as traction issues worsen.

    7 a.m.: These are highway conditions as of this writing.

    Interstate 80

    Chains are required from 3.4 miles east of Gold Run in Placer County to the Nevada state line.

    Highway 50

    Chains are required from 3 miles east of Placerville to Meyers.

    Highway 88

    The road is closed from 3.5 miles east of Silver Lake to Kirkwood in Amador County due to snow.

    Chains are required from Pine Grove to 1 mile west of Woodford in Alpine County.

    Highway 89

    The road is closed at Emerald Bay State Park due to snow.

    Chains are required from Picketts Junction to the Alpine-El Dorado County line. Chain controls are also in effect from D.L. Bliss State Park to Olympic Valley, as well as from Truckee to the Sierra-Plumas County line.

    Highway 4

    Chains are required from Arnold to the Mt. Reba turnoff in Calaveras County.

    6:25 a.m.: Interstate 80 and Highway 50 are open, but Highways 88, 89 and 4 are closed amid snowy conditions.

    Monday

    11:02 p.m.: Eastbound I-80 remains closed from Colfax to the Nevada State Line due to spinouts.

    10:17 p.m.: Traffic is moving again on Highway 50 with chain controls in effect from Twin Bridges to Meyers, according to Caltrans.

    9:23 p.m.: More than 3,420 Pacific Gas and Electric Co. customers in El Dorado County are without power after a tree made contact with a powerline.

    Power restoration is expected just before midnight.

    In Calaveras County, 4,454 customers lost power as a result of an unplanned outage. Power was expected to be restored at 2:45 a.m.

    Learn more.

    8:44 p.m. A viewer sent us video of a high school soccer game that happened in the snow in Tuolumne today.

    8:43 p.m.: Westbound Highway 50 is closed from Meyers to Twin Bridges in El Dorado County due to multiple spin-outs.

    8 p.m.: Heather Waldman is giving a live update on =AZbHLHfLWIJRKEsfm-jXFnrkYwlON399ClGSyG4kHS6YU7lF3KuiW_qTIyAbJnRN5o4DAYbjWJKD1286mq4jjc-J-0xkU1dyR3XvJq2KyVr8m3RVzitM3GqosIFlvxaqYbSHH7PMo2CI-h4lhGOC96BpyPAVlaAw-YtJ82weURYc4TzPSKP7ubQuDysPKmTdL5bDxfNv9kURKDiAo6W4AH4u&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R” target=”_blank”>Facebook and YouTube.

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    6:50 p.m.: The Pollock Pines Elementary School District and Silver Fork Elementary School District have canceled classes on Tuesday because of weather conditions.

    See more school closures here.

    6:33 p.m.: Eastbound traffic on Interstate 80 is being held at Colfax after multiple spinouts.

    Highway 49, north of Crystal Boulevard, is also closed for a deadly crash investigation. Two people inside a vehicle died after a head-on collision. Another driver suffered major injuries.

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    5:21 p.m.: Michelle Bandur caught up with a kid braving the snowstorm in shorts.

    4:46 p.m.: Brian Hickey shows what conditions are like for skiers at Palisades Tahoe in the video below.

    4 p.m.: Here’s a look at the latest conditions in the Sierra below.

    3:32 p.m.: Highway 88 is back open at Carson Spur after being closed for avalanche control.

    1:35 p.m.: These are the current chain controls as of this writing.

    Interstate 80

    Eastbound: Chains are required from the Nevada state line to 2.1 miles east of Baxter in Placer County.

    Westbound: Chains are required from 2.1 miles east of Baxter in Placer County to the Nevada state line.

    Highway 50

    Chains are required from Twin Bridges to Meyers.

    Highway 89

    Chains are required from D.L Bliss State Park in El Dorado County to the I-80 junction.

    Highway 88

    Chains are required from Ham’s Station to Picketts Junction in Amador County.

    Highway 20

    Chains are required from Washington Road to the I-80 junction in Nevada County. The roads are also closed to eastbound traffic from Nevada Street in Nevada City to the I-80 junction while officials are performing a vehicle recovery.

    1:02 p.m.: Caltrans is holding traffic on westbound Highway 50 in Meyers for snow operations. It anticipates a reopening time of 2 p.m.

    The agency is also holding eastbound traffic at Twin Bridges but did not give an estimated time of reopening.

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    12:35 p.m.: Reporter Michelle Bandur was at I-80 and Colfax when officials reopened the highway. Roads were shut down temporarily after multiple spinouts and crashes.

    11:38 a.m.: Caltrans said eastbound Highway 20 is closed from Nevada Street in Nevada City to the Interstate 80 junction. Westbound lanes are open.

    11:31 a.m.: Both directions of Interstate 80 from Colfax to the Nevada state line are closed due to multiple spinouts and crashes. Eastbound lines are being held at the state line, while westbound lanes are being held at Colfax.

    An estimated time of reopening was not given, but Caltrans said to expect significant delays.

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    10:49 a.m.: Eastbound Interstate 80 at Colfax Road is closed due to vehicle spinouts. There is no estimated time of reopening.

    10:18 a.m.: Caltrans said big rigs are being held eastbound on Interstate 80 at Applegate due to weather conditions.

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    10 a.m.: These are the current chain controls as of this writing.

    Interstate 80

    Chains are required from 2.1 miles east of Baxter in Placer County to the Nevada state line.

    Highway 50

    Chains are required from Twin Bridges to Meyers.

    Highway 20

    Chains are required from Washington Road to the I-80 junction in Nevada County.

    9:29 a.m.: Westbound Interstate 80 traffic in the Truckee area is again closed due to spinouts. There is no estimated time of reopening.

    9:19 a.m.: Road officials release westbound Interstate 80 traffic at Truckee after multiple spinouts were cleared.

    8:50 a.m.: Meteorologist Tamara Berg shares 24-hour rain totals as of 8:30 a.m. Monday.

    Northern California 24-hour rain totals as of 8:30 a.m. Monday on Feb. 16, 2026


    8:44 a.m.: Westbound Interstate 80 traffic at Truckee is being held due to multiple vehicle spinouts, Caltrans said.

    8:30 a.m.: These are the current chain controls as of this writing.

    Interstate 80

    Chains are required from 2.1 miles east of Baxter in Placer County to Truckee in Nevada County.

    Highway 50

    Chains are required from Twin Bridges to Meyers.

    8 a.m.: See storm coverage from the beginning of our 8 a.m. newscast.

    7:30 a.m.: Get a look at conditions in Soda Springs during a 7:30 a.m. live hit.

    7:25 a.m.: These are the current chain controls as of this writing.

    Interstate 80

    Chains are required from 2.1 miles east of Baxter in Placer County to Truckee in Nevada County.

    Highway 50

    Chains are required from Twin Bridges to Meyers.

    7:20 a.m.: According to an outage map, about 3,500 Pacific Gas & Electric Co. customers in Calaveras County are without power. The estimated time of restoration is 10 a.m. The cause of the outage has not been released.

    7 a.m.: See storm coverage from the beginning of our 7 a.m. newscast in the video player below.

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

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  • Northern California forecast: Isolated severe storms possible Saturday, heavy Sierra snow

    Much of Friday will offer Northern California a break from wet weather, but more rain and snow are expected through the weekend.The KCRA 3 weather team issued an Alert Day for Saturday because conditions could risk public safety. Sunday is an Impact Day as the weather could affect travel and outdoor activities. Meteorologist Tamara Berg said rain is likely to return after sunset hours Friday. South winds could also bring gusts to the region.Alert Day Saturday Showers will be around on the hit-and-miss variety during the day. Some of these showers may be intense. Isolated severe storms are possible as the atmospheric ingredients are there. Some storms will be capable of producing heavy downpours, lightning and small hail. Parts of the Central Valley and lower Foothills are under a marginal storm risk via the Storm Prediction Center outlook for Saturday. It’s likely any storms that pop up may turn severe. Isolated areas with a funnel cloud or brief tornado can’t be ruled out. Canceled EventsThe Midtown Farmers Market, a Saturday mainstay in Sacramento, announced it would cancel the market this Saturday due to the anticipated weather forecast. Organizers said the anticipated wind conditions “meet and exceed our established safety threshold.” The market noted that the decision was made in the interest of the vendor, staff and public’s safety.The Jan. 3 event was set to launch a new “circular retail” expansion, aiming to uplift sustainability efforts and upcycling practices. RainBerg said rain is expected to be on and off for both Saturday and Sunday. Below are the estimated rainfall totals from Friday evening through Monday.Valley: 1-3 inchesFoothills: 3-5 inchesSierra: 4-6 inchesIsolated thunderstorms are possible throughout this period, and Saturday is likely to see stronger storms.SnowBerg said snow is expected at the Sierra passes level of 7,000 feet by early Saturday. When enough snow falls, road officials are likely to issue chain controls, which means cars without four-wheel drive and snow tires equipped will need chains installed on their tires.The speed limit on Sierra highways is also reduced during chain controls, with Interstate 80 set at 30 mph and Highway 50 at 25 mph.Elevations above 6,000 feet could see two to four feet of snow from Friday evening through Monday. The Carson and Sonora passes may see up to five feet of snow.The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning from 10 p.m. Friday through 4 p.m. Monday ahead of anticipated near-whiteout conditions and major travel delays. NWS is also discouraging mountain travel during that time.Wind Berg said wind gusts across the Sacramento Valley could range on Saturday from 30-40 mph.See rain totals from previous days in the graphic below.REAL-TIME TRAFFIC MAPClick here to see our interactive traffic map.TRACK INTERACTIVE, DOPPLER RADARClick here to see our interactive radar.DOWNLOAD OUR APP FOR THE LATESTHere is where you can download our app.Follow our KCRA weather team on social mediaMeteorologist Tamara Berg on Facebook and X.Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn on FacebookMeteorologist/Climate Reporter Heather Waldman on Facebook and X.Meteorologist Kelly Curran on X.Meteorologist Ophelia Young on Facebook and X.Watch our forecasts on TV or onlineHere’s where to find our latest video forecast. You can also watch a livestream of our latest newscast here. The banner on our website turns red when we’re live.We’re also streaming on the Very Local app for Roku, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    Much of Friday will offer Northern California a break from wet weather, but more rain and snow are expected through the weekend.

    The KCRA 3 weather team issued an Alert Day for Saturday because conditions could risk public safety. Sunday is an Impact Day as the weather could affect travel and outdoor activities.

    Meteorologist Tamara Berg said rain is likely to return after sunset hours Friday. South winds could also bring gusts to the region.

    Alert Day Saturday

    Showers will be around on the hit-and-miss variety during the day. Some of these showers may be intense. Isolated severe storms are possible as the atmospheric ingredients are there.

    Some storms will be capable of producing heavy downpours, lightning and small hail. Parts of the Central Valley and lower Foothills are under a marginal storm risk via the Storm Prediction Center outlook for Saturday.

    It’s likely any storms that pop up may turn severe. Isolated areas with a funnel cloud or brief tornado can’t be ruled out.

    Canceled Events

    The Midtown Farmers Market, a Saturday mainstay in Sacramento, announced it would cancel the market this Saturday due to the anticipated weather forecast.

    Organizers said the anticipated wind conditions “meet and exceed our established safety threshold.” The market noted that the decision was made in the interest of the vendor, staff and public’s safety.

    The Jan. 3 event was set to launch a new “circular retail” expansion, aiming to uplift sustainability efforts and upcycling practices.

    Rain

    Berg said rain is expected to be on and off for both Saturday and Sunday. Below are the estimated rainfall totals from Friday evening through Monday.

    • Valley: 1-3 inches
    • Foothills: 3-5 inches
    • Sierra: 4-6 inches

    Northern California forecast rain totals as of Jan. 2, 2026

    Isolated thunderstorms are possible throughout this period, and Saturday is likely to see stronger storms.

    Snow

    details for northern california storm impacts on january 4th

    Berg said snow is expected at the Sierra passes level of 7,000 feet by early Saturday.

    When enough snow falls, road officials are likely to issue chain controls, which means cars without four-wheel drive and snow tires equipped will need chains installed on their tires.

    The speed limit on Sierra highways is also reduced during chain controls, with Interstate 80 set at 30 mph and Highway 50 at 25 mph.

    Elevations above 6,000 feet could see two to four feet of snow from Friday evening through Monday. The Carson and Sonora passes may see up to five feet of snow.

    Northern California forecast snow totals as of Jan. 2, 2026

    The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning from 10 p.m. Friday through 4 p.m. Monday ahead of anticipated near-whiteout conditions and major travel delays. NWS is also discouraging mountain travel during that time.

    Wind

    Berg said wind gusts across the Sacramento Valley could range on Saturday from 30-40 mph.

    See rain totals from previous days in the graphic below.


    REAL-TIME TRAFFIC MAP
    Click here to see our interactive traffic map.
    TRACK INTERACTIVE, DOPPLER RADAR
    Click here to see our interactive radar.
    DOWNLOAD OUR APP FOR THE LATEST
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    Follow our KCRA weather team on social media

    • Meteorologist Tamara Berg on Facebook and X.
    • Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn on Facebook
    • Meteorologist/Climate Reporter Heather Waldman on Facebook and X.
    • Meteorologist Kelly Curran on X.
    • Meteorologist Ophelia Young on Facebook and X.

    Watch our forecasts on TV or online
    Here’s where to find our latest video forecast. You can also watch a livestream of our latest newscast here. The banner on our website turns red when we’re live.

    We’re also streaming on the Very Local app for Roku, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV.

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

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  • Northern California live storm updates: Lightning strikes; flooding prompts evacuation warnings

    A storm that moved into Northern California overnight is resulting in power outages, flooded roads and downed tree limbs.The KCRA 3 weather team issued an Alert Day for both Wednesday and Thursday, which indicates that conditions could be a risk to public safety.Snowy conditions can also lead to chain controls. When they are in effect, all vehicles except those with four-wheel drive and snow tires equipped are required to install chains. Also, the speed limit for Interstate 80 is reduced to 30 mph, while the limit is 25 mph on Highway 50.Find the full forecast here.Track power outages here.We are tracking live weather updates as we receive them. Live updates 6:30 p.m.: Traffic is being held on I-80 in both directions at Doner Summit do to multiple spinouts, Caltrans said. 5:15 p.m.: A tree fell on a home in Carmichael on Wednesday. The people who lived there were out of town and no one was hurt.5 p.m.: A flash flood warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for a portion of the Sacramento area. People are being asked to be cautious of flooded roads, creeks and streams as well as poor drainage areas. The warning is expected to last until 7:30 p.m.4:50 p.m.: About 344 SMUD customers are without power, according to the utility’s outage map.See the map here. 4 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement for the Sacramento area. Until about 4:45 p.m., pea-sized hail and winds of about 30 miles per hour are expected. 3:15 p.m.: Evacuation warnings are in effect for the Cosgrove Creek area near Valley Springs and La Contenta due to rising water levels , according to the Calaveras County Office of Emergency Services. Under an evacuation warning residents are advised of a potential threat to life and property. There is a possibility for an evacuation order.To see the evacuation warning zone on a map, click here. 12:30 p.m.: Traffic on westbound I-80 is being turned around at Truckee and Donner Lake Interchange due to multiple spinouts.12 p.m.: As of this writing, there are at least 96,000 utility customers across California without power, according to a state dashboard.In San Joaquin County, PG&E said about 2,600 customers in the Stockton area lost their power.11 a.m.: The Imaginarium at Cal Expo is closed Wednesday because of wind-related concerns.10:57 a.m.: The California Highway Patrol Yuba-Sutter division shared video of a water rescue that happened midnight Wednesday near Highway 113.10:27 a.m.: The Amador Fire Department said it is at Westover Field on Airport Road in Sutter Creek, filling sandbags for anyone who needs them.10 a.m.: As of this writing, there are roughly 123,000 utility customers across California without power.9:55 a.m.: These are chain controls as of this writing.Interstate 80Eastbound traffic: Chains are required from Kingvale to Truckee.Westbound traffic: Chains are required from the Donner Lake Interchange to 4.7 miles west of Kingvale. Traffic is being turned around at Truckee and Donner Lake Interchange due to multiple spinouts.Highway 50Chains are required from Twin Bridges to Meyers.9:51 a.m.: The Grass Valley Fire Department shared pictures of its firefighters handling storm-related issues in the city.9:45 a.m.: Pacific Gas & Electric Co. talked about its efforts in addressing storm-related damages.9:15 a.m.: The Sacramento Municipal Utility District spoke about what it’s doing to address storm-related damages.9 a.m.: See our updated forecast in the video player below.7:55 a.m.: The California Highway Patrol said at least one person died in what appears to be a weather-related crash.CHP said a vehicle crashed into a telephone pole at Franklin Boulevard and Point Pleasant Road. That was reported shortly before 6 a.m.7:40 a.m.: See weather highlights from our 7 a.m. newscast in the video player below.7:10 a.m.: The California Highway Patrol East Sacramento division said its officers are responding to multiple reports of vehicle spinouts amid stormy conditions.7 a.m.: A statewide dashboard indicates that at least 138,000 utility customers across California are without power.6:55 a.m.: These are chain controls for mountain travel as of this writing. When chain controls are in effect, chains are required on all vehicles except those with four-wheel drive and snow tires equipped.Also, the speed limit is reduced with chain controls. On Interstate 80, the speed limit is 30 mph, while Highway 50’s speed limit is 25 mph.Interstate 80Chains required from Kingvale in Placer County to Truckee in Nevada County.Highway 50Chains are required from Twin Bridges to Meyers.6:20 a.m.: Traffic expert Brian Hickey observed flooding along Interstate 80 at Norwood Avenue. Motorists were seen driving through the flooding.6 a.m.: See weather highlights from our 6 a.m. newscast in the video player below.4 a.m.: KCRA 3 spotted a tree that fell on a home along Cedarhurst Way in the Carmichael area of Sacramento County.REAL-TIME TRAFFIC MAPClick here to see our interactive traffic map.TRACK INTERACTIVE, DOPPLER RADARClick here to see our interactive radar.DOWNLOAD OUR APP FOR THE LATESTHere is where you can download our app.Follow our KCRA weather team on social mediaMeteorologist Tamara Berg on Facebook and X.Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn on FacebookMeteorologist/Climate Reporter Heather Waldman on Facebook and X.Meteorologist Kelly Curran on X.Meteorologist Ophelia Young on Facebook and X.Watch our forecasts on TV or onlineHere’s where to find our latest video forecast. You can also watch a livestream of our latest newscast here. The banner on our website turns red when we’re live.We’re also streaming on the Very Local app for Roku, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

    A storm that moved into Northern California overnight is resulting in power outages, flooded roads and downed tree limbs.

    The KCRA 3 weather team issued an Alert Day for both Wednesday and Thursday, which indicates that conditions could be a risk to public safety.

    Snowy conditions can also lead to chain controls. When they are in effect, all vehicles except those with four-wheel drive and snow tires equipped are required to install chains. Also, the speed limit for Interstate 80 is reduced to 30 mph, while the limit is 25 mph on Highway 50.

    Find the full forecast here.

    Track power outages here.

    We are tracking live weather updates as we receive them.

    Live updates

    6:30 p.m.: Traffic is being held on I-80 in both directions at Doner Summit do to multiple spinouts, Caltrans said.

    5:15 p.m.: A tree fell on a home in Carmichael on Wednesday. The people who lived there were out of town and no one was hurt.

    5 p.m.: A flash flood warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for a portion of the Sacramento area. People are being asked to be cautious of flooded roads, creeks and streams as well as poor drainage areas. The warning is expected to last until 7:30 p.m.

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    4:50 p.m.: About 344 SMUD customers are without power, according to the utility’s outage map.

    See the map here.

    4 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement for the Sacramento area. Until about 4:45 p.m., pea-sized hail and winds of about 30 miles per hour are expected.

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    3:15 p.m.: Evacuation warnings are in effect for the Cosgrove Creek area near Valley Springs and La Contenta due to rising water levels , according to the Calaveras County Office of Emergency Services. Under an evacuation warning residents are advised of a potential threat to life and property. There is a possibility for an evacuation order.

    To see the evacuation warning zone on a map, click here.

    12:30 p.m.: Traffic on westbound I-80 is being turned around at Truckee and Donner Lake Interchange due to multiple spinouts.

    12 p.m.: As of this writing, there are at least 96,000 utility customers across California without power, according to a state dashboard.

    In San Joaquin County, PG&E said about 2,600 customers in the Stockton area lost their power.

    11 a.m.: The Imaginarium at Cal Expo is closed Wednesday because of wind-related concerns.

    10:57 a.m.: The California Highway Patrol Yuba-Sutter division shared video of a water rescue that happened midnight Wednesday near Highway 113.

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    10:27 a.m.: The Amador Fire Department said it is at Westover Field on Airport Road in Sutter Creek, filling sandbags for anyone who needs them.

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    You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    10 a.m.: As of this writing, there are roughly 123,000 utility customers across California without power.

    9:55 a.m.: These are chain controls as of this writing.

    Interstate 80

    Eastbound traffic: Chains are required from Kingvale to Truckee.

    Westbound traffic: Chains are required from the Donner Lake Interchange to 4.7 miles west of Kingvale. Traffic is being turned around at Truckee and Donner Lake Interchange due to multiple spinouts.

    Highway 50

    Chains are required from Twin Bridges to Meyers.

    9:51 a.m.: The Grass Valley Fire Department shared pictures of its firefighters handling storm-related issues in the city.

    This content is imported from Facebook.
    You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    9:45 a.m.: Pacific Gas & Electric Co. talked about its efforts in addressing storm-related damages.

    9:15 a.m.: The Sacramento Municipal Utility District spoke about what it’s doing to address storm-related damages.

    9 a.m.: See our updated forecast in the video player below.

    7:55 a.m.: The California Highway Patrol said at least one person died in what appears to be a weather-related crash.

    CHP said a vehicle crashed into a telephone pole at Franklin Boulevard and Point Pleasant Road. That was reported shortly before 6 a.m.

    7:40 a.m.: See weather highlights from our 7 a.m. newscast in the video player below.


    7:10 a.m.: The California Highway Patrol East Sacramento division said its officers are responding to multiple reports of vehicle spinouts amid stormy conditions.

    This content is imported from Twitter.
    You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    7 a.m.: A statewide dashboard indicates that at least 138,000 utility customers across California are without power.

    6:55 a.m.: These are chain controls for mountain travel as of this writing. When chain controls are in effect, chains are required on all vehicles except those with four-wheel drive and snow tires equipped.

    Also, the speed limit is reduced with chain controls. On Interstate 80, the speed limit is 30 mph, while Highway 50’s speed limit is 25 mph.

    Interstate 80

    Chains required from Kingvale in Placer County to Truckee in Nevada County.

    Highway 50

    Chains are required from Twin Bridges to Meyers.

    6:20 a.m.: Traffic expert Brian Hickey observed flooding along Interstate 80 at Norwood Avenue. Motorists were seen driving through the flooding.

    6 a.m.: See weather highlights from our 6 a.m. newscast in the video player below.

    4 a.m.: KCRA 3 spotted a tree that fell on a home along Cedarhurst Way in the Carmichael area of Sacramento County.

    Tree falls on home along Cedarhurst Way in Sacramento County

    REAL-TIME TRAFFIC MAP
    Click here to see our interactive traffic map.
    TRACK INTERACTIVE, DOPPLER RADAR
    Click here to see our interactive radar.
    DOWNLOAD OUR APP FOR THE LATEST
    Here is where you can download our app.
    Follow our KCRA weather team on social media

    • Meteorologist Tamara Berg on Facebook and X.
    • Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn on Facebook
    • Meteorologist/Climate Reporter Heather Waldman on Facebook and X.
    • Meteorologist Kelly Curran on X.
    • Meteorologist Ophelia Young on Facebook and X.

    Watch our forecasts on TV or online
    Here’s where to find our latest video forecast. You can also watch a livestream of our latest newscast here. The banner on our website turns red when we’re live.

    We’re also streaming on the Very Local app for Roku, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV.

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

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  • Chain controls return to Sierra as Sunday morning snow slows I-80

    LET’S GO NOW TO LIVE TRACKER THREE ON THE ROADS THIS MORNING. KCRA 3’S ERIN HEFT IS IN KINGVALE THIS MORNING. AND ERIN, YOU’RE REALLY SEEING THE SNOW THIS MORNING. YES WE ARE. WE ACTUALLY HOPPED OUT OF LIVE TRACKER THREE BECAUSE. SO INTERESTING. WE HAVE CHAIN CONTROLS IN EFFECT. THAT’S WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING AT DOWN THE WAY A LOT OF SEMI TRUCKS PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF INTERSTATE 80. LIKE YOU SAID, WE’RE IN KINGVALE. IT’S A VERY SHORT STRETCH OF CHAIN CONTROL. BUT JUST BE AWARE IT IS IN EFFECT. AND ALSO IF YOU’RE SOMEONE WHO HAS ALL OF THE TREAD ON YOUR TIRES AND EVERYTHING APPROPRIATE, MAYBE YOU DON’T NEED CHAINS BECAUSE YOU HAVE THOSE APPROPRIATE TIRES OR YOU PUT THEM ON YOURSELF. CHAINS. THAT IS GREAT. BUT ALSO JUST KEEP IN MIND THAT THERE ARE MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE CHAIN INSTALLERS THAT DO THIS SEVERAL MONTHS OUT OF EVERY SINGLE YEAR, AND YOU’RE GOING TO WANT TO SLOW DOWN AND TAKE PRECAUTION BECAUSE THEY’RE OUT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WE ACTUALLY TALKED TO CHRIS LOTITO. HE’S BEEN DOING THIS FOR 50. YES, FIVE ZERO YEARS. HE’S 70 YEARS OLD THIS YEAR. TAKE A LISTEN TO HIS ADVICE. YOU ENTER A CHAIN CONTROL AREA. LEGALLY, THE SPEED LIMIT IS 30 MILES AN HOUR. WE RECOMMEND 2530, TOPS. CHAINS AREN’T MADE TO GO ANY FASTER ANYWAY, AND IT’S NOT SO MUCH HOW FAST YOU CAN GO. IT’S HOW QUICK YOU CAN STOP. SO THE SLOWER YOU GO, THE EASIER IT IS TO STOP AND AVOID COLLISIONS. YEP, HE’S PREACHING SAFETY, WHICH SHOULD BE EVERYONE’S TOP OF MIND. THAT IS OVER 30 MILES AN HOUR. DON’T BE SOMEONE WHO’S SPEEDING THROUGH THIS ZONE, BECAUSE IF I WALK SLOWLY, YOU’LL SEE YOU’RE GOING TO MEET CALTRANS. AND YOU’RE ALSO GOING TO MEET CHP UP HERE. AND THEY’RE GOING TO ALSO BE MAKING SURE THAT YOU’RE TAKING PRECAUTION. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT CHAINS. YOU ARE ONLY GOING 30 MILES AN HOUR OR LOWER. AND THEY’LL ALSO BE THE PEOPLE TO RESPOND IF YOU SPIN OUT OR HAVE A CAR CRASH. SO PLEASE JUST KEEP TAKING PRECAUTION. AND ALSO, CHRIS WENT ON TO SAY THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE WATER IN THE CAR, THE APPROPRIATE CLOTHING IN THE CAR, AND PATIENCE, BECAUSE SOMETIMES INTERSTATE 80 DOES SHUT DOWN, HAVE GLOVES, HAVE THE RIGHT SHOES. DON’T BE US. TODAY WE THOUGHT WE MIGHT BE IN VALLEY RAIN. SIKE! WE’RE IN SIERRA SNOW AND THAT IS SOMETHING. JUST TO KEEP IN MIND. LIFE AND THINGS CHANGE. LETICIA. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU SO MUCH. SAY HI TO CHRIS. HE’S BEEN

    Chain controls return to Sierra as Sunday morning snow slows I-80

    Veteran chain installer shares safety tips as Caltrans checks cars snowfall blankets the summit before ski season.

    Updated: 11:48 AM PST Nov 16, 2025

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    On a KCRA3 Weather Impact Day in the Sierra, chain controls greeted drivers before dawn over the Interstate 80 summit, slowing traffic as snow tucked the mountains in ahead of Thanksgiving.“I coined the term: make sure you bring your patience. You’ll need it,” said Chris Lotito, who has spent 50 years installing chains on the side of the interstate. His advice for winter travel is simple and strict: “Always bring your chains with you, always make sure you have a full tank of gas, because sometimes the road may be closed for a little while and you want to stay warm, bring a blanket or two and always bring water.”Caltrans crews were out checking for chains, tires, and four-wheel drive as ice and snow covered the roadway. In chain control areas, the speed limit is 30 mph. “We recommend 25–30 tops,” Lotito said. “Chains are not made to go any faster anyway, and it’s not so much how fast you can go, it’s how quick you can stop. So the slower you go, the easier it is to stop and avoid collisions.”Some drivers were caught off guard by the early blast. “I just came from Sacramento, so I was just coming to visit some friends,” said Alvin Ho, behind the wheel of his Prius Sunday morning. “They told me to expect it, but I’ve never really driven in snow, so this is my first time.”Lotito noted that traffic remains manageable for now, but that won’t last. “It’s a little early for heavy traffic because the ski resorts aren’t open yet. Once they open, this road turns into a nightmare as far as waiting and waiting and waiting.”For now, the message is to prepare, slow down and take in the view. “Just be careful up here, look how beautiful it is before Thanksgiving,” Lotito said.Here’s what drivers should bring:Tire chains and know-how to install themFull tank of gasBlankets and warm clothingWater and basic suppliesExtra time and patienceSee more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    KINGVALE, Calif. —

    On a KCRA3 Weather Impact Day in the Sierra, chain controls greeted drivers before dawn over the Interstate 80 summit, slowing traffic as snow tucked the mountains in ahead of Thanksgiving.

    “I coined the term: make sure you bring your patience. You’ll need it,” said Chris Lotito, who has spent 50 years installing chains on the side of the interstate.

    His advice for winter travel is simple and strict: “Always bring your chains with you, always make sure you have a full tank of gas, because sometimes the road may be closed for a little while and you want to stay warm, bring a blanket or two and always bring water.”

    Caltrans crews were out checking for chains, tires, and four-wheel drive as ice and snow covered the roadway. In chain control areas, the speed limit is 30 mph.

    “We recommend 25–30 tops,” Lotito said. “Chains are not made to go any faster anyway, and it’s not so much how fast you can go, it’s how quick you can stop. So the slower you go, the easier it is to stop and avoid collisions.”

    Some drivers were caught off guard by the early blast.

    “I just came from Sacramento, so I was just coming to visit some friends,” said Alvin Ho, behind the wheel of his Prius Sunday morning. “They told me to expect it, but I’ve never really driven in snow, so this is my first time.”

    Lotito noted that traffic remains manageable for now, but that won’t last

    . “It’s a little early for heavy traffic because the ski resorts aren’t open yet. Once they open, this road turns into a nightmare as far as waiting and waiting and waiting.”

    For now, the message is to prepare, slow down and take in the view. “Just be careful up here, look how beautiful it is before Thanksgiving,” Lotito said.

    Here’s what drivers should bring:

    • Tire chains and know-how to install them
    • Full tank of gas
    • Blankets and warm clothing
    • Water and basic supplies
    • Extra time and patience

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

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  • Sierra snow travel: Chain controls in effect on Interstate 80, Highway 50

    Sierra snow travel: Chain controls in effect on Interstate 80, Highway 50

    LIVE AT 10 P.M. WE BEGIN WITH THE SECOND NIGHT OF WET WEATHER HERE IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, INCLUDING HEAVIER SNOW IN THE SIERRA. THIS IS A LOOK AT CONDITIONS ALONG I-80 NEAR KINGVALE. THIS WAS EARLIER TONIGHT WHERE PEOPLE WERE FORCED TO TAKE SOME EXTRA TIME ON THE ROADS. THANK YOU FOR JOINING US HERE AT TEN. I’M ANDREA FLORES AND I’M KURTIS MING. WE WANT TO SHOW YOU A LIVE LOOK AT I-80. NOW, THIS IS NEAR DONNER SUMMIT TONIGHT. RIGHT NOW, CHAINS ARE REQUIRED FROM KINGVALE TO THE DONNER LAKE INTERCHANGE. CHAIN CONTROL IS LIKELY TO STAY IN EFFECT UNTIL TOMORROW MORNING. AND HERE’S A LOOK AT CONDITIONS ALONG HIGHWAY 50. THIS IS AT MEYERS. CHAINS ARE REQUIRED ON HIGHWAY 50 FROM THREE MILES EAST OF KYBURZ TO MYERS IN EL DORADO COUNTY. AND WE’RE TRACKING THE SNOW FALLING ACROSS THE SIERRA TONIGHT. ANDRES VALLE IS STANDING BY ON INTERSTATE 80. BUT WE WANT TO START WITH KCRA 3 METEOROLOGIST. HEATHER WALDMAN. SO, HEATHER, WHERE IS THE STORM SYSTEM RIGHT NOW? YEAH, THAT SNOW HAS BEEN FALLING STEADILY FOR THE LAST FEW HOURS, AND WE’VE ACTUALLY BEEN WATCHING THE SNOW LEVEL COME DOWN. ALL THE WHILE, IT’S JUST BEEN SOGGY IN THE FOOTHILLS ALL DAY, AND THE VALLEY HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF SOME OF THAT LIGHT RAIN AND DRIZZLE. LET’S GO NORTH TO SOUTH HERE. QUINCY, PORTOLA, LA PORTE, SEEING THAT LIGHT RAIN. BUT IT IS CHILLY. TEMPERATURES TODAY IN THE 40S AT BEST. UP THERE IN THE MOUNTAINS. HIT AND MISS. RAIN SHOWERS FROM YUBA CITY DOWN TOWARDS ARBUCKLE AND ESPARTO AND WINTERS JUST ENOUGH TO WET THE ROADS. WE’RE ONLY PICKING UP A FEW HUNDREDTHS OF AN INCH OF RAIN OUT OF ANY OF THIS, BUT THOSE SHOWERS EXTEND DOWN INTO THE EAST BAY. A LITTLE BIT OF WET WEATHER LEFT OVER THERE IN FAIRFIELD. IT’S BEEN RELATIVELY DRY FROM STOCKTON TO ESCALON INTO MODESTO AND PATTERSON FOR MOST OF THIS EVENING. BUT YOU GO UP THE HILL INTO SONORA JACKSON, ANGELS CAMP THAT’S WHERE YOU’RE SEEING SOME OF THAT LIGHT RAINFALL. THIS IS ECHO SUMMIT RIGHT NOW. THAT’S A FREEZE FRAME, BUT YOU CAN SEE SOME SNOW BUILT UP ON THE ROADS. WE DO HAVE CHAIN CONTROLS AND YOU SEE THE DELAYS HERE, ESPECIALLY ON THE EASTBOUND LANES, THE YELLOWS REPRESENTING SOME OF THAT SLOWER TRAFFIC AREAS IN RED. THAT’S WHERE CARS LIKELY HAVING TO STOP, PULL OVER, PUT THE CHAINS ON AND KEEP GOING. NOT SEEING MUCH IN THE WAY OF SNOW AT LAKE LEVEL AROUND TAHOE. MAYBE SOME WET SNOW JUST BARELY REACHING THE GROUND, BUT IT’S NOT REALLY STICKING. HERE’S WHERE YOU’RE GOING TO GET YOUR DELAYS FROM KINGVALE UP OVER DONNER SUMMIT AND INTO TRUCKEE. EVERYBODY’S IN THE RED IN THE EAST AND THE WESTBOUND LANES. THERE’S ONE MORE LOOK AT DONNER SUMMIT FOR YOU, AND THAT’S WHY THINGS ARE SLOW GOING AT THE MOMENT. ADDITIONAL SNOWFALL TONIGHT LOOKING AT 4 TO 8IN OVER DONNER SUMMIT. SIMILAR TOTALS OVER ECHO SUMMIT UP TO AN ADDITIONAL FOOT OVER EBBETTS PASS AND SONORA PASS. WE’LL TALK ABOUT ADDITIONAL RAINFALL, AND OF COURSE WE’LL LOOK AHEAD TO WHEN THINGS DRY OUT IN A FEW MINUTES. SOUNDS GOOD. HEATHER, THANK YOU SO MUCH. AND AS HEATHER JUST MENTIONED, THAT SNOW IS MAKING SIERRA TRAVEL TOUGH. KCRA 3’S ANDRES VALLE IS IN THE SIERRA TRACKING THE CONDITIONS FROM INSIDE. LIVE TRACKER THREE. YEAH GUYS. SO WE’RE CURRENTLY HERE IN I-80 AT KINGVALE. WE’RE ACTUALLY TRYING TO LOOP OUR WAY BACK ONTO THOSE WESTBOUND LANES, BUT IT’S REALLY SLOW MOVING. SO THIS IS THE AREA WHERE A LOT OF CALTRANS CREWS ARE STOPPING PEOPLE MAKING SURE THEY HAVE CHAINS, AND IF THEY DON’T, THEY TURN THEM AROUND TO GO DOWN THE HILL DOWN TO A LOWER ELEVATION. SO RIGHT NOW WE’RE ABOUT 6000FT, AS YOU CAN SEE, RIGHT IN FRONT OF US IS A SEMI TRUCK. THE ROADS ARE COMPLETELY SNOW COVERED AS OF RIGHT NOW. WE TAKE IT OVER TO OUR ROOF CAMERA. YOU CAN SEE HOW MUCH SNOW IS BUILT BEHIND US AND ALSO THE SEMI TRUCKS. ALSO HAVING TO TURN AROUND AS WELL. BUT AS WE TAKE YOU BACK OVER TO THOSE, WHAT WE’RE SEEING RIGHT IN FRONT OF US, THERE IS A LONG LINE ON THOSE WESTBOUND LANES HEADING OVER THE HILL RIGHT NOW. AND SO THIS IS AN AREA WHERE CALTRANS IS AGAIN CHECKING THOSE PEOPLE IN CASE THEY HAVE THOSE CHAINS. BUT LET’S SHOW YOU VIDEO THAT WE GATHERED FROM EARLIER THIS AFTERNOON. THIS THIS EVENING, I SHOULD SAY FROM WHEN THE TRAFFIC WAS A LOT SLOWER ON INTERSTATE 80. THIS IS WHEN CHAIN CONTROLS OFFICIALLY WENT UP RIGHT AROUND 7:30 P.M. THERE WAS A LONG LINE OF VEHICLES BEING STOPPED ON THE EASTBOUND LANES OF I-80 AT KINGVALE AND CALTRANS. CREWS WERE STATIONED ALONG THE SHOULDER OF THE INTERSTATE, WARNING DRIVERS OF ICY ROAD CONDITIONS AND TO TAKE IT SLOW. NOW, MANY DRIVERS HAD TO STOP AT THE SHELL GAS STATION TO BUY CHAINS BEFORE CONTINUING ON THE INTERSTATE. NEXT IS BY SOME CHAINS AND INSTALL THEM REAL QUICK AND THEN HOPEFULLY BE ON OUR WAY. NOPE. I’M KIND OF SURPRISED. I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BE RAIN. SO THIS IS AWESOME. WE WERE WE WERE TRYING TO BEAT IT, BUT WE GOT HELD UP IN SACRAMENTO. BUT IT’S FINE ADVICE GOING INTO, YOU KNOW, THIS WINTER SEASON, I GUESS JUST DRIVE, DRIVE SLOWLY. AND YOU KNOW, WATCH OUT FOR THE TRUCK DRIVERS. AND YOU DON’T NEED TO CARRY CHAINS. WE SELL THEM RIGHT HERE. AND YEAH SO THAT SHELL GAS STATION ACTUALLY STAYS OPEN LATE WHEN CHAIN CONTROLS ARE IN EFFECT. BUT AS YOU CAN SEE RIGHT NOW IT IS SLOW MOVING ON THOSE WESTBOUND LANES OF INTERSTATE 80, AS WELL AS THOSE EASTBOUND LANES OF INTERSTATE 80. SO THAT’S THE LONG LINE THAT YOU SEE ALONG THOSE STREETS, ALL THOSE CARS AND TRUCKS STOPPED RIGHT NOW AS CALTRANS CREWS ARE CHECKING FOR THOSE CHAINS. LET’S SHOW YOU THAT ROOFTOP CAMERA AS WELL. AS YOU CAN SEE, A LOT OF THESE SEMI TRUCKS HAVE PULLED OVER ALONG THE WESTBOUND LANES OF INTERSTATE 80 AS WELL. SO WE KNOW SO FAR THAT CHAIN CONTROLS WILL MORE THAN LIKELY BE IN EFFECT THROUGHOUT THE REST OF TONIGHT. WE’VE SEEN CALTRANS CREWS TREATING THOSE ROADWAYS, PLOWING THE SNOW AS WELL OUT OF THE INTERSTATE. BUT FOR THE MOST PART, AGAIN, THINGS ARE LOOKING REALLY SLOW RIGHT NOW. IF YOU’RE TRAVELING IN AND OUT OF THE SIERRA, IF YOU ARE COMING UP HERE, BRING THOSE CHAINS WITH YOU. INSTALL THEM, OF COURSE, AT THOSE CHAIN CONTROL LOCATIONS, IF YOU DON’T HAVE THEM, YOU CAN BUY THEM AT THAT SHELL GAS STATION AT KINGVALE. BUT AGAIN, IT’S GOING TO TAKE YOU QUITE A BIT OF TIME BECAUSE A LOT OF THE TRAFFIC IS STOPPED. AND REMEMBER, THE SPEED LIMIT IS ALSO ONLY 30MPH, WHEN CHAIN CONTROLS ARE IN EFFECT. WE’RE LIVE HERE IN LIVE TRACKER THREE ON THE KCRA THREE NEWS. YEAH, AND YOU CAN SEE SOME ISSUES WITH THE LANE DISTINCTION DUE TO THAT SNOW ON THE HIGHWAY. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT. LOOK AT THE INTERSTATE AND TURNING AGAIN TO CONDITIONS ON HIGHWAY 50. THIS WAS EARLIER TONIGHT IN EL DORADO COUNTY. CALTRANS WAS OUT EARLY CLEARING THE ROADS AFTER WHAT WAS MOSTLY A PRETTY RAINY DAY ALONG HIGHWAY 50. AND DRIVERS ARE TAKING IT EASY. IT’S A LITTLE TOUGH DRIVING SOMETIMES, AND THEN IT MAKES A HAZARDOUS TRIP FOR EVERYBODY ELSE. GOING BOTH WAYS. HEADING INTO THE SEASON, YOU DEFINITELY WANT, YOU KNOW, ALL WHEEL DRIVE, FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, AND NOT JUST THAT YOU’D WANT, YOU KNOW, CHAINS OR SNOW TIRES. NOW TO HIGHWAY FOUR IN CALAVERAS COUNTY. IT WAS SNOWING THERE PRETTY MUCH ALL DAY LONG. WE CAPTURED THESE IMAGES IN TAMARACK. FAMILIES WERE SHOCKED TO SEE HOW MUCH SNOW FELL TODAY. I JUST THOUGHT IT WAS A LOT, ESPECIALLY FOR OCTOBER. IT’S IT’S A LITTLE EARLY IN THE SEASON TO BE SNOWING THIS HARD. SO HELP US SHOW THE WEATHER. SHARE YOUR PHOTOS AND VIDEOS OF THE STORMS. IT COULD END UP ON TELEVISION LIKE CLAUDETTE JUUL WHO SHARED THIS PHOTO OF THE CLOUDS AND WOODLAN NOT RAINING AT THE TIME, BUT THE ROADS THERE WERE WET. AND CHECK OUT THIS PHOTO FROM PAM GOODLEY. THIS IS THE FRESH SNOW AT THE ROYAL GORGE CROSS COUNTRY SKI AREA. WE’D LIKE TO SEE YOUR PHOTOS AND VIDEOS TOO. YOU CAN SHARE THEM WITH US DIRECTLY. SCAN THE QR CODE ON YOUR SCREEN. IT WILL TAKE YOU RIGHT TO OUR UPLOAD PAGE, OR YOU CAN ALSO GO TO KCRA.COM/UPLOAD WILL WORK TO SHAR

    Sierra snow travel: Chain controls in effect on Interstate 80, Highway 50

    Updated: 11:12 PM PDT Oct 14, 2025

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    Rain has been the headliner for the start of Northern California’s winter storm, but snow is picking up in the Sierra.The largest amounts are expected in the afternoon and the evening. The heaviest snow will be south of Donner Summit, Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn said. (Video above: Winter storm updates Tuesday at 10 p.m.)Below is the latest information on chain controls. 11:00 p.m.: Reporter Andres Valle was in Livetracker 3 and showed that I-80, around 6,000 feet elevation, was covered in snow. The following chain controls remain in effect:Interstate 80: Chain controls are in effect eastbound from Cisco to Donner Lake Interchange and westbound from Donner Lake Interchange to 2.5 miles east of the junction for Highway 20 in Nevada County.Highway 50: Chains are required from three miles east of Kyburz to MeyersHighway 88: Chains are required from Ham’s Station to Picketts JunctionHighway 4: The highway is closed from 0.7 miles east of Lake Alpine to the junction of Highway 89 due to snow. Additionally, chains are required from Camp Connell to the Mt. Reba turnoffHighway 89: Chains are required on all vehicles from Picketts Junction to 2.7 miles south of the junction with Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Additionally, chains are required on vehicles from Bliss State Park to Tahoe City. 10:30 p.m.: Chain controls remain in effect in portions of I-80 in the Sierra, causing some drivers to buy chains for their tires before they can continue on their travels.”We were trying to beat it, but we got held up in Sacramento,” said one traveler, Tracy Lent. “I thought it was going to be rain, so this is awesome.”Chain installers are ready to help those who don’t have any chains already.”You don’t need to carry chains. We sell them right here,” Bowles said. He also urged drivers to take it slow and watch out for trucks. 7:30 p.m.: Interstate 80: Just before 7:30 p.m., chain controls went into effect on I-80 between Rainbow and the Donner Lake Interchange, according to the Caltrans Quickmap.7:00 p.m.: Highway 4: Chains are required on all vehicles except 4-wheel-drive vehicles from half a mile east of Camp Connell to the Mt. Reba turnoff.Watch Livetracker 3 video from Tuesday evening:6:30 p.m.: Highway 88: Chains are required on all vehicles except 4-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all 4 wheels from Ham’s Station to Picketts Junction3 p.m.: Chain controls are up on Highway 50 and Highway 88. Highway 50: Chains are required on all vehicles except 4-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all 4 wheels from Twin Bridges to Meyers.Highway 88: Chains are required on all vehicles except 4-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all 4 wheels from 4 miles east of Ham’s Station to Silver Lake.| MORE | See the latest rain and snow totals here. Track the latest California highway road conditionsHere is where you can search Caltrans road conditions by highway and see if chain controls are in effect.Real-time traffic mapClick here to see our interactive traffic map.Track interactive, Doppler radarClick here to see our interactive radar.Download our app for the latestHere is where you can download our app.Here are key websites to prepare for and track California power outages.Preparing for power outages: Ready.gov explains how to prepare for a power outage and what to do when returning from one here.Keeping informed when you’ve lost power and cellphone service: How to find a National Weather Service radio station near you.Here is how to sign up for CalAlerts emergency alert notifications for any county in California.Track PG&E power outages here.Track SMUD outages here.Track power outages across all California counties.Follow our KCRA weather team on social mediaMeteorologist Tamara Berg on Facebook, Instagram and X.Meteorologist Heather Waldman on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.Meteorologist Kelly Curran on X, Facebook and Instagram.Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn on Facebook.Meteorologist Ophelia Young on Facebook, X and Instagram.Watch our forecasts on TV or onlineHere’s where to find our latest video forecast. You can also watch a livestream of our latest newscast here. The banner on our website turns red when we’re live.We’re also streaming on the Very Local app for Roku, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV.Send us your photos and videosShare your weather photos and videos at kcra.com/upload.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. —

    Rain has been the headliner for the start of Northern California’s winter storm, but snow is picking up in the Sierra.

    The largest amounts are expected in the afternoon and the evening. The heaviest snow will be south of Donner Summit, Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn said.

    (Video above: Winter storm updates Tuesday at 10 p.m.)

    Below is the latest information on chain controls.

    11:00 p.m.: Reporter Andres Valle was in Livetracker 3 and showed that I-80, around 6,000 feet elevation, was covered in snow.

    The following chain controls remain in effect:

    • Interstate 80: Chain controls are in effect eastbound from Cisco to Donner Lake Interchange and westbound from Donner Lake Interchange to 2.5 miles east of the junction for Highway 20 in Nevada County.
    • Highway 50: Chains are required from three miles east of Kyburz to Meyers
    • Highway 88: Chains are required from Ham’s Station to Picketts Junction
    • Highway 4: The highway is closed from 0.7 miles east of Lake Alpine to the junction of Highway 89 due to snow. Additionally, chains are required from Camp Connell to the Mt. Reba turnoff
    • Highway 89: Chains are required on all vehicles from Picketts Junction to 2.7 miles south of the junction with Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Additionally, chains are required on vehicles from Bliss State Park to Tahoe City.

    10:30 p.m.: Chain controls remain in effect in portions of I-80 in the Sierra, causing some drivers to buy chains for their tires before they can continue on their travels.

    “We were trying to beat it, but we got held up in Sacramento,” said one traveler, Tracy Lent. “I thought it was going to be rain, so this is awesome.”

    Chain installers are ready to help those who don’t have any chains already.

    “You don’t need to carry chains. We sell them right here,” Bowles said. He also urged drivers to take it slow and watch out for trucks.

    7:30 p.m.: Interstate 80: Just before 7:30 p.m., chain controls went into effect on I-80 between Rainbow and the Donner Lake Interchange, according to the Caltrans Quickmap.

    7:00 p.m.: Highway 4: Chains are required on all vehicles except 4-wheel-drive vehicles from half a mile east of Camp Connell to the Mt. Reba turnoff.

    Watch Livetracker 3 video from Tuesday evening:

    This content is imported from YouTube.
    You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    6:30 p.m.: Highway 88: Chains are required on all vehicles except 4-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all 4 wheels from Ham’s Station to Picketts Junction

    3 p.m.: Chain controls are up on Highway 50 and Highway 88.

    • Highway 50: Chains are required on all vehicles except 4-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all 4 wheels from Twin Bridges to Meyers.
    • Highway 88: Chains are required on all vehicles except 4-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all 4 wheels from 4 miles east of Ham’s Station to Silver Lake.

    | MORE | See the latest rain and snow totals here.

    Track the latest California highway road conditions

    Here is where you can search Caltrans road conditions by highway and see if chain controls are in effect.

    Real-time traffic map

    Click here to see our interactive traffic map.

    Track interactive, Doppler radar

    Click here to see our interactive radar.

    Download our app for the latest

    Here is where you can download our app.

    Here are key websites to prepare for and track California power outages.

    Follow our KCRA weather team on social media

    Watch our forecasts on TV or online

    Here’s where to find our latest video forecast. You can also watch a livestream of our latest newscast here. The banner on our website turns red when we’re live.

    We’re also streaming on the Very Local app for Roku, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV.

    Send us your photos and videos

    Share your weather photos and videos at kcra.com/upload.

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

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