Winter Storm Expected to Impact Weekend Travel

Marysville - Caltrans is alerting motorists about the next round of winter weather that is expected to impact travel across the Sierra Nevada starting tonight.

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecast calls for 1 to 2 feet of snow above 5,000 feet and 2 to 5 feet above 6,000 feet, with wind gusts up to 55 mph. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 10 p.m. tonight through 4 p.m. Monday, January 5.

Motorists are encouraged to avoid travel through the Sierra Nevada if possible. If motorists must travel through the Sierra Nevada, be prepared for chain controls, additional travel times and delays. Caltrans advises to ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas or full charge, chains, and extra supplies in the event of an emergency or if traffic is held for an extended period of time. Those supplies include but are not limited to: extra snacks, water, a blanket and a flashlight.

The forecast calls for 2 to 3 inches of rain in the valley and Delta, and up to 6 inches of rain in the foothills. The NWS has issued a Wind Advisory for the northern edge of the valley from 10 p.m. tonight through 4 a.m. Sunday, January 4 with sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts of 35 to 45 mph expected.

Motorists traveling in the valley should be prepared for wet weather, additional travel times and delays. Caltrans advises that vehicles have properly functioning headlights and windshield wipers and not to drive through flooded roads.

Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. The department issues updates on X @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook CaltransDistrict3.