Chain controls on Sierra roads; slick conditions causing travel issues

Tow trucks are being kept busy tonight as many drivers are finding difficulty navigating roads around Lake Tahoe. There are currently areas of freezing fog and heavy snow, with whiteouts on some higher elevations roads. With this being a holiday weekend, expect more traffic than normal.

As of 7:00 p.m. Sunday, February 18, vehicles are reportedly stuck on State Route 89 (near Luther Pass, a car without chains stuck and blocking the roadway), a collision on State Route 88 near Caples Lake, five vehicles stuck on State Route 89 south of Tahoma (without chains) and another vehicle stuck in roadway south of Meeks Bay, a car slipped onto its side near Granlibakken, a collision near Squaw Valley, and several around Truckee and Northstar.

Chains or 4WD with snow tires are required on all mountain roads.

For up to the minute reports, visit http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ for California and http://nvroads.com for Nevada.

A winter weather advisory is in effect until 10:00 p.m. Sunday night. Additional snow accumulations of up to two inches are expected.

A strong cold front moving through the region this afternoon may create slick driving conditions for the Sierra and western Nevada tonight through Monday morning.

In the Sierra snow accumulations of a few inches at all elevations with up to 5-8 inches along the higher passes will bring winter driving conditions. You should anticipate travel restrictions and delays the remainder of today and tonight in the Sierra.