Motorists advised of challenging driving conditions as Lake Tahoe area gets another Winter Storm Warning

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The alerts for travel over Sierra highways have been issued, and Caltrans has joined in to alert motorists of the incoming storm that will create "challenging mountain travel this weekend."

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno carried the statement, "Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Strong winds may cause tree damage and lead to power outages. Blowing and drifting snow may bring near-zero visibility at times and rapid disorientation if attempting to travel."

And the headline on SFGate Friday said, "Officials warn Bay Area travelers to avoid Tahoe this weekend, expect delays."

NWS Reno has issued a Winter Storm Warning, with a snow forecast of 3-4 feet over Donner Summit on Interstate 80 and 2-3 feet at Echo Summit on U.S. Highway 50 on Saturday into Sunday. Chain controls should be expected on Interstate 80, U.S. 50, and all secondary highways in the mountains. Motorists should be prepared for additional travel times and possible long delays.

Lake level should expect 1-2 feet between Saturday morning and early Monday morning. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph, with up to 100 mph along the Sierra crest.

This storm follows a major system that forced closures on Interstate 80, Highway 50, and State Routes 20, 32, 49, 89, 193, 267, 395, and 431 in Nevada earlier this week.

To date, Donner Summit has 545 inches of snowfall this season, Echo Summit has 439 and Luther Pass on SR-89 has 437.

In the Valley, rain of 0.25-0.50 of an inch and winds of 25-30 mph are expected in the Sacramento area this weekend, with rainfall of 1-2 inches in the foothills.

Caltrans encourages motorists to check “QuickMap” before traveling for current road conditions and chain requirements at quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ or download the free QuickMap app on the App Store or Google Play. Motorists also can call the California Highway Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).

For those heading into Nevada, follow https://www.nvroads.com/.