Multiple lanes closed on Santa Clara interstate due to snow & ice accumulation
Heavy snow expected in Northern California, possible power outages & heavy winds in Bay Area
Authorities are warning Californians driving through and around the Lake Tahoe area this weekend to be careful with the impending winter weather. The Sierra Nevada Mountains are expecting large amounts of snowfall, with Lake Tahoe expecting upwards of five feet of snow.
SECOND UPDATE:
Officials reported late Sunday that snow and ice have accumulated on Highway CA-130 in Mount Hamilton in Santa Clara County, resulting in its temporary closure. All lanes remain closed until further notice. Officials did not provide an ETA on reopening lanes.
UPDATE:
CHP authorities in Truckee have closed the westbound lanes at the Nevada state line and eastbound lanes at Colfax due to multiple "spinouts" and whiteout conditions, officials said.
Officials added conditions continue to deteriorate over Donner Summit.
Authorities have not yet reported any injuries or significant accidents.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Authorities are warning Californians driving through and around the Lake Tahoe area this weekend to be careful with the impending winter weather.
The Sierra Nevada Mountains are expecting large amounts of snowfall, with Lake Tahoe expecting upwards of five feet of snow.
The CHP advises drivers headed to Lake Tahoe to be prepared for bad conditions and to stay home if travel isn't necessary. At this time, chains on tires are not required for Highway 50, but Caltrans has required chains if traveling on I-80 or State Route 4.
Snow has already appeared in areas by Donner Summit near Truckee.
Carl Walton of Lake Tahoe shared with KTVU that travelers need to listen to CHP's advice and to stay away from the Sierra until roads are clear.
"I get home, go to Reno and then stay home for the weekend because it's going to be worse than this over the weekend. Certainly don't want to be out when it's like this…don't go out. Don't go out. Stay home. Stay home," Walton said.
MORE COVERAGE: North Bay braces for powerful weekend rainstorm
Northern California counties are facing a winter storm warning. CHP advises drivers to check weather conditions before heading towards the area.
In the Bay Area, the weekend storm is expected to bring rain and high winds. North Bay counties have a wind advisory from midnight Saturday to 1 p.m. Central and South Bay counties have a wind advisory from Saturday 2 a.m. - 3 p.m.
SEE ALSO: Lake Tahoe placed on Fodor's destinations to avoid list
PG&E is also making store preparations and is providing advice for customers on how to stay safe. Rain and high winds may create possible power outages.
Those who come across downed power lines are urged to call 911 or PG&E at (800)-743-5002. PG&E officials stressed that if you find yourself without power, use flashlights and not candles.
Have a backup phone and turn off appliances, PG&E also advised.