holiday travel

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Holiday travel may be impacted as a storm system is bringing gusty winds to the Sierra and Lake Tahoe this week along with a period of snow on Sunday. Below average temperatures will continue through the remainder of this year, with some weak storm systems possibly producing light snow accumulations and slick roads at times.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be a break between storms with a quiet weather pattern in place over the next couple of days, though the potential for morning fog remains at the beginning of the week. A weak weather system could bring light snow showers to the mountains from late Tuesday into Wednesday with a return of another atmospheric river system with high snow levels that could arrive by Friday.

El Dorado County unveiled their pilot plan Tuesday evening, one that is designed to help alleviate traffic congestion on Meyer's back roads during two holiday weekends this summer.

El Dorado County Department of Transportation (EDCDOT) Director Rafael Martinez joined other staff members in presenting the traffic congestion circulation alternative to the approximately 25 people in attendance. There will be a hard closure in place on Sawmill Road near Highway 50, and on North Upper Truckee near Highway 50 during the July 4th and Labor Day holiday weekends as part of a pilot project.

The intersection of State Route 88 at Centerville Lane will receive a compact traffic roundabout, and construction on it begins Monday, April 23.

From April 23 to 27, daytime lane closures from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. will take place with a pilot car leading traffic in alternating directions through the intersection. An approximately 10-day full closure of the SR 88 and Centerville Lane intersection will then begin Monday, April 30 at 10:00 a.m., with nearby detour available via Mottsville Lane and Foothill Road.

A small front will pass by Lake Tahoe Tuesday, with a wintery mix of Rain, snow and sleet, with a chance of some accumulation of snow, but forecasters are looking at Friday night into Saturday for a stronger storm that could drop measurable snow.

Both of these systems could impact travel over the Sierras. With Friday a major holiday travel day, those on the road should be prepared. Snow could cover roads and chain controls are expected at higher elevations.

A winter storm warning has been issued for the Lake Tahoe basin from 10 a.m. Monday to 10 a.m. Tuesday. Periods of heavy snow will begin Monday morning with accumulations 18"-36" above 7,000 feet. Snow accumulations below 7,000 feet will vary with 4"-12" expected. Snow levels will start at 6,000 feet Monday morning, rising to 7,000 feet by the Tuesday morning. The heavier precipitation is expected Tuesday.

The incoming storm will have winds with it as well, 10-25 mph with gusts to 40 mph in the morning Monday, tapering down by afternoon.

The path of the next storm headed to the Lake Tahoe area is still uncertain and weather experts are keeping a close eye on the situation to keep drivers informed during one of the most heavily traveled holidays. The National Weather Service is advising motorists to be informed as snow totals are still uncertain.

The National Weather Service warning: There are uncertainties with the exact tract of a strong winter storm heading into the Sierra. The storm will drop south-southeast into Eastern California and Western Nevada Tuesday, then linger through the remainder of the week.

Arriving in time for the Christmas holidays, a series of winter storms are headed for Lake Tahoe prompting the National Weather Service in Reno to issue a Winter Storm Watch.
Snow amounts of 18 to 30 inches are expected above 7,000 feet and around a foot at lake level Friday through Saturday, according to the weather service.