Northern California winter storm updates: Chain controls on Sierra roads amid piles of snow

Video Player is loading.

Current Time 0:00

Duration 0:00

Loaded: 0%

Stream Type LIVE

Remaining Time 0:00

SIERRA. THANKS FOR JOINING US AT NOON, I’M LISA GONZALEZ. WE BEGIN WITH THAT SNOW IN THE SIERRA. AND THIS IS WHAT ROADS ARE LOOKING LIKE HEADING ALONG I-80 THIS MORNING. LOOK AT HOW HIGH THE SNOW IS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. DRIVERS HEADING EAST ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE CHAINS ON THEIR CARS. EAST OF GOLD RUN. ALSO, WESTBOUND TRUCKS WILL BE REQUIRED TO STOP AT THE BRAKE CHECK AREA WEST OF NYACK. THAT IS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF BRAKE FIRES. VERY IMPORTANT. ALSO, TAKE A LOOK AT THIS BEAUTIFUL SIGHT IN CAMINO HILLS AND LOOK AT THE SNOW FALLING ON THE DAFFODILS. IF THAT DOESN’T JUST SUM IT UP, I DON’T KNOW WHAT DOES. OUR CREWS GETTING THESE SHOTS OF THE FLOWERS AND THOSE SPRING BLOOMS. A LOT OF SNOW DRIVERS ON HIGHWAY 50 WILL ALSO NEED CHAINS WEST OF KYBURZ TO MYERS. LET’S GET RIGHT OVER TO METEOROLOGIST DIRK VERDOORN. HOW ARE THINGS LOOKING RIGHT NOW ON RADAR? DIRK. YEAH, WELL, STILL VERY ACTIVE. AND I’M JUST WONDERING IF THE DOGWOODS ARE IN BLOOM, BECAUSE, YOU KNOW WHAT WE SAY THE SNOW GOES ON THE DOGWOODS. THAT COULD BE THE LAST SNOW OF THE SEASON, AT LEAST AT THE LOWER ELEVATIONS. WE’LL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE WITH THAT. RIGHT NOW, STILL VERY ACTIVE IN THE SIERRA. SO WE’RE GOING TO FOCUS FIRST ON THE SNOW STARTING TO THE NORTH AND THROUGH THE NORTHERN SIERRA PLUMAS COUNTY. NOT TOO BAD. JUST A LIGHT SNOW AROUND QUINCY. WE’RE SEEING ALSO UP BY LAKE ALMANOR. EVERYTHING’S KIND OF TAPERING OFF. IT’S THE FARTHER SOUTH YOU GO AS YOU MAKE YOUR WAY TOWARDS BUCKS LAKE AND LA PORTE. THAT’S WHERE WE’RE HAVING SOME OF THAT HEAVIER SNOW RIGHT NOW ALONG HIGHWAY 49. IT’S COMING DOWN PRETTY GOOD. AND AS WE SLIDE IN GRASS VALLEY, YOU’VE BEEN GETTING SOME GOOD AMOUNTS OF SNOW AGAIN. WELL OVER A COUPLE OF INCHES. WE’RE LOOKING AT SOME MORE RIGHT NOW, COMING DOWN AT A PRETTY GOOD RATE. AND COLFAX ALSO SITTING AT ABOUT 2400FT AND MORE SNOW FOR YOU. BUT THOSE SNOW LEVELS ARE GOING TO STEADILY BE RISING. IN FACT, WE’RE EXPECTING AS WE GO THROUGH THE AFTERNOON SNOW LEVELS TO GET UP ABOVE 2400FT TO 2500FT. AND YOU CAN SEE ALREADY WE HAVE SNOW ON THE SIDES HERE. THIS IS ACTUALLY IN THE COLFAX AREA. AND RIGHT NOW IT’S LOOKING PRETTY WET. UPPER ELEVATIONS STILL COMING DOWN PRETTY GOOD OVER DONNER SUMMIT. THAT’S WHERE WE’RE SEEING SOME SNOW CURRENTLY. AND THEN ALSO ALONG HIGHWAY 50 OVER ECHO SUMMIT. ALSO GETTING SOME OF THAT SNOW. EXPECT TO HAVE THAT CHANCE FOR SNOW. STAYING A LITTLE BIT MORE STEADY IN THE MOUNTAINS WHILE THE VALLEY WE’RE SEEING THE SHOWERS COME OUT JUST OFF AND ON AGAIN, SHOWERS. AND WE’LL TAKE A LOOK AT THAT, AS WELL AS HOW STRONG THE WINDS ARE RIGHT NOW. COMING UP. LISA, NOW BACK OVER TO YOU. ALL RIGHT. DIRK. THANK YOU. WE ARE EXPERIENCING STILL SOME RAIN ACROSS THE VALLEY RIGHT NOW AND YOU CAN SEE A LIVE LOOK STOCKTON ON THE LEFT. SOME GOOD SIZED RAINDROPS THERE AND CLOUDS OVER THE PORT CITY. SACRAMENTO IS GETTING SOME GOOD RAIN AS WELL. AND RANCHO CORDOVA ALSO IN SACRAMENTO COUNTY. WE MAY SEE SOME BREAKS IN THE SYSTEM, BUT I KNOW WITHIN JUST THE LAST TWO HOURS WE HAD SOME PRETTY GOOD DOWNPOURS. IT WAS NOT FUN DRIVING IN IT. I KNOW WE’RE SEEING A LOT OF GREEN ON RADAR SHOWING ALL OF THAT RAIN. LET’S GO BACK OVER TO METEOROLOGIST DIRK VERDOORN TO SEE WHERE WE’RE SEEING THE RAIN IN THE VALLEY RIGHT NOW. DIRK YEAH, LET’S GO AHEAD AND TALK ABOUT THAT RAIN. AND A LOT OF IT STARTING TO BUNCH UP ON THE EAST SLOPE OF THE VALLEY OR IN THE IN THE EAST SIDE OF THE VALLEY, ON INTO THE WEST SLOPE OF THE SIERRA. AS YOU CAN SEE, WE HAVE NEAR STOCKTON AND MODESTO SOME SCATTERED RAIN SHOWERS, AND IT TURNS SCATTERED UNTIL YOU GET MORE INTO THE FOOTHILLS. AND SO NOW SONORA, WHERE WE HAVE HAD SOME LIGHT SNOW, IT’S NOW TRANSITIONING INTO SOME RAIN. AND WE’VE SEEN THAT HAPPENING OVER THE PAST HOUR. THAT FLOW IS GOING TO CONTINUE TO TAKE IT UP THE WEST SLOPE OF THE SIERRA ON TOWARDS ARNOLD, WHERE WE CURRENTLY HAVE THE SNOW, BUT EXPECT TO HAVE AGAIN THAT CHANCE FOR IT TURNING INTO RAIN BY LATER ON TONIGHT. ANOTHER FEATURE WITH THIS SYSTEM IS GOING TO BE THE WINDS. WE’VE HAD SOME PRETTY GOOD GUSTS OF WIND SO FAR. THE STRONGEST GUSTS HAVE BEEN CLOSE TO 50MPH RIGHT NOW. WIND GUSTS STILL STAYING STRONG IN STOCKTON AND THAT OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF HOURS IS WHERE WE’VE SEEN SOME OF THOSE STRONGER WINDS. MODESTO WIND GUSTS UP TO 31MPH. 37 IN YUBA CITY, WIND GUSTS AT LAKE TAHOE. SO EVEN IN THE SIERRA, WE’RE EXPERIENCING WIND GUSTS UP TO 36MPH. SO THE WINDS, THAT’S ALSO GOING TO BE SOMETHING THAT COULD IMPACT YOUR DAY TO DAY. HERE’S YOUR 12 HOUR FORECAST. THE CHANCE FOR RAIN IN THE VALLEY IS GOING TO TURN EVEN MORE WIDELY SCATTERED, SO LESS LIKELY OF SEEING THE RAIN. AND WE WILL SEE SOME CLEARING AS WE GO THROUGH THE OVERNIGHT. TEMPERATURES WILL BE DROPPING OFF INTO THE MID TO LOW 40S AS WE HEAD INTO TOMORROW MORNING, SO IT’LL BE ANOTHER COOL START, AND IT LOOKS LIKE WE MAY CATCH A BIT OF A BREAK BEFORE THE NEXT ROUND OF RAIN ARRIVES, AND WE’RE GOING TO TALK MORE ABOUT THAT COMING UP. LISA. ALL RIGHT. AND BECAUSE OF THIS WEATHER, BUS PASSENGERS SHOULD BE READY FOR CANCELLATIONS AND DELAYS IN THE SIERRA, THE CAPITAL CORRIDOR, WHICH IS OPERATED BY AMTRAK, IS CANCELING BUSSES BETWEEN COLFAX AND RENO ALONG I-80. BUT THE CONNECTING BUS SERVICE BETWEEN SACRAMENTO AND AUBURN WILL STILL RUN AS SCHEDULED. MAKE SURE YOU’VE DOWNLOADED THE KCRA THREE APP. IT’S FREE TO DOWNLOAD. KEEP IT WITH YOU, AND WE WILL KEEP YOU UP TO DATE ON ANY ROAD CHANGES, POWER OUTAGES, OR WEATHER UPDATES. TURN ON THO

Northern California winter storm updates: Chain controls on Sierra roads amid piles of snow

Another round of wet weather in Northern California on Friday will bring rain to lower elevations and piles of snow to the Sierra.The KCRA 3 weather team is issuing an Impact Day for Friday because of expected travel delays due to snow. School closures in areas hit hard with snow are also possible.Expect chain controls at times because some parts of the Sierra could see a couple of feet of snow. Speed limits will be reduced on major roadways when chain controls are in effect. On Interstate 80, it is reduced to 30 mph. Along Highway 50, it is 25 mph.Scattered rain showers could also impact outdoor activities and travel.Track road conditions here | See Doppler radarClick here to see the forecastSend us your weather videos and photos | See viewer submissionsWhat are the latest rain and snow totals? See school closures hereLive California snow cams hereWatch our latest newscast coverage of the storm hereBelow are live weather updates as they come in.Live weather updatesFriday1:13 p.m.: KCRA 3's Lee Anne Denyer has a view of the low-elevation snow in Grass Valley. 10:02 a.m.: The eastbound Interstate 80 offramp to Eureka Road will be closed for about one to two hours while crews work to clear a crash.8:48 a.m.: Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn goes how the timeline for low snow.8:41 a.m.: Reporter Mike TeSelle captured pictures of flowers with a thin layer of snow on them.8:23 a.m.: Snow is sticking at Camino Heights, which is at a 3,000-feet elevation.7 a.m.: Here is a look at stormy conditions from our 7 a.m. newscast.6:53 a.m.: Reporter Mike TeSelle shows how much snow has piled up along Highway 50.4:49 a.m.: Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn shares what to expect on the seven-day forecast.Thursday10:27 p.m.: Reporter Peyton Headlee was in Live Tracker 3, which was stuck in traffic on westbound I-80 near Rainbow in Placer County. The traffic remained from the crash in Blue Canyon reported earlier. Just before 10:30 p.m., Headlee said CHP reopened the interstate. 8:30 p.m.: Reporter Anahita Jafary traveled along Highway 88 on Thursday, where drivers were met with closures. The eastbound lanes of the highway closed Thursday morning, so people eager to hit the slopes at Kirkwood Ski Resort had to find a different route. Three-year-old Cash was having a blast in the snow with his mom Kylie Gomas at Peddler Vista. But he had a bit too much fun and got stuck in the snow. Luckily, a Caltrans worker was able to help him out.8:11 p.m.: The California Highway Patrol said I-80 westbound was closed at Donner Lake due to multiple crashes in Blue Canyon involving several vehicles and big rigs. CHP shared a photo of one of the crashes and it shows a sedan sandwiched between two big rigs, with the front and back of the car crushed.6 p.m.: Highway 88 traffic in Ione was released after being held temporarily due to three-vehicle crash near Blue Sky Drive that caused multiple injuries and required a person to be removed from their vehicle before being taken to the hospital.KCRA 3's Anahita Jafary was in Amador County on Thursday monitoring traffic conditions on Highway 88. Kylie Gomas and her son Cash were making the most of the dat, saying they've been getting a lot of rain and wind recently.But 3-year-old cash had a little too much fun and he got stuck in the snow while playing. luckily CalTrans was there to help.A worker pulled the child out of the snow so he could get back to his snowball making.4:26 p.m.: Traffic is being held on Highway 50 from Echo Summit to Meyers because of spinouts. Here's a chain control update. I-80: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels from Donner Lake Interchange to 4.7 miles west of Kingvale.Highway 50: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels from 1.5 miles east of Kyburz to Meyers.2:50 p.m.: Meteorologist Heather Waldman reports that ski resorts have reported more than 2 feet of snow over the past 24 hours. The statewide snowpack is now at 82% of the April 1 average. 2:38 p.m.: Meteorologist Heather Waldman says radar has been active this afternoon with small but intense bursts of rain and hail in the Valley and Foothills. Expect this to continue through about 7 p.m. Sierra snow showers will continue above 3,500 feet. 1:29 p.m.: The National Weather Service Sacramento division issued a special weather statement for the Sonora, Phoenix Lake and Angels areas until 2:15 p.m. Wind gusts of up to 30 mph and pea-sized hail are possible.1:17 p.m.: The National Weather Service Sacramento division issued a special weather statement for the Rocklin, Granite Bay and Auburn area until 1:45 p.m. Wind gusts of up to 30 mph and pea-sized hail are possible. 1:11 p.m.: The National Weather Service Sacramento division issued a special weather statement for the Redding and Anderson areas in Shasta County until 2 p.m. Wind gusts of up to 30 mph and pea-sized hail are possible. 11:05 a.m.: Highway 50 has reopened after crews had to temporarily hold traffic for avalanche control.10:41 a.m.: Palisades Tahoe ski resort reports it got 25 inches of fresh snow as of 6 a.m., and it expects to receive more.10:23 a.m.: Nevada County Sheriff's Search and Rescue said it rescued vehicles that were stranded in the snow.It got a report at 9:15 p.m. Wednesday about multiple stranded vehicles near Interstate 80. During a freeway shutdown or standstill traffic, the drivers tried taking alternate routes that had heavy snow and whiteout conditions.The search and rescue team sent two Jeeps and gave them the people inside rides to lower elevations where family members were waiting to pick them up.The operations were done by 1:30 a.m., search and rescue said.9:37 a.m.: The California Highway Patrol said Highway 50's estimated time of reopening is 11 a.m. while crews work on avalanche control. Chiapa Drive to Echo Summit is affected by the avalanche control.9:24 a.m.: Highway 50 traffic is being held for avalanche control from Placerville to Meyers, CHP says. 9:11 a.m.: Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn shares snow totals at Northern California ski resorts in the past 24 hours.8:40 a.m.: Thousands of Pacific Gas & Electric Co. customers are without power Thursday morning amid snowy conditions. About 560 customers in Camino and another 1,000 customers in Twin Bridges are affected. There is no estimated time of restoration.8:37 a.m.: Here are where chain controls stand as of this writing.Highway 50 Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with snow tires from 3 miles east of Placerville to Sand Flat.Interstate 80Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with snow tires from 3.4 miles east of Gold Run in Placer County to the Nevada state line.7:48 a.m.: Reporter Mike Teselle offers a look at snow falling in Pollock Pines.7 a.m.: Eastbound I-80 at the Donner Summit Rest Area has reopened.6:20 a.m.: Pioneer Union School District will have a one-hour delay start with satellite stops for the Grizzly Route. Schools will still be dismissed at 1:50 p.m. 6 a.m.: Get a look at snow coverage from our 6 a.m. newscast in the video player below.5:45 a.m.: Traffic is being held on eastbound I-80 at the Donner Summit Rest Area due to spinouts. Camino Union Elementary School District and Pollock Pines Elementary School District schools are closed Thursday due to the snow. 5:00 a.m.: I-80 is closed to single-drive axle tractor-semitrailers towing double trailers from Applegate in Placert County to 5 miles west of Reno in Washoe County. Chains are required on all vehicles except 4-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all 4 wheels from Colfax in Placer County to the Nevada State Line.All westbound trucks are required to stop at the brake check area 0.5 miles west of Nyack in Placer County to reduce the risk of brake fires.On Highway 50, chains are required on all vehicles except 4-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all 4 wheels 3 miles east of Placerville to Meyers in El Dorado County. All Tahoe Truckee Unified School District schools will be closed on Thursday due to the snow. Wednesday10:19 p.m.: Reporter Carolina Estrada was in Pollock Pines, where snow accumulated several inches over just a few hours.Residents told KCRA they were excited for the snow. "I'd really love to snowboard down my driveway this year," said Pollock Pines resident Jamie Pare. "It's a tradition and this year it hasn't happened. So, I hope that this storm brings that."Chain controls are in effect for Highway 50 from 3 miles east of Placerville to Meyers.10:01 p.m.: California Highway Patrol dispatchers said I-80 is being reopened in both directions to passenger vehicles in the Sierra. Semi-trucks will be held or turned around. 8:15 p.m.: Highway 88 Carson Spur in Amador County is closed due to heavy snow and unsafe driving conditions, Caltrans said. Other mountain highways in Amador Alpine, Calaveras and Tuolumne counties, including Highway 4, 88, 89 and 108, have chain controls in place. 8:08 p.m.: The California Highway Patrol shared a photo of the conditions on I-80 eastbound, where the interstate is closed due to multiple crashes. CHP said all traffic is being turned back around westbound. There is no estimated time of reopening.7:59 p.m.: A photo submitted by KCRA 3 viewer Marilyn Luna shows a tree that crashed through her fence and into her backyard pool in Dixon. Luna said the tree fell around 3:30 p.m.7:32 p.m.: Reporter Lee Anne Denyer is traveling westbound on I-80. She noted conditions are worsening along both the eastbound and westbound sides of the interstate. Drivers are urged to avoid traveling in the area if they can avoid it.7:10 p.m.: Reporter Andres Valle was tracking conditions along Highway 50 in the Sierra. As he reached Riverton, he noted conditions were rapidly deteriorating in the area.6:53 p.m.: Traffic is being held on Interstate 80 for eastbound traffic in the Sierra. Information from Caltrans shows traffic being held 3.4 miles east of Gold Run due to multiple spinouts. 6:19 p.m.: Reporter Lee Anne Denyer said conditions are worsening in Soda Springs. Visibility is getting low on the interstate.6:11 p.m.: Reporter Carolina Estrada was in Pollock Pines, where snow began to fall on Wednesday evening.5:41 p.m.: The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee issues an avalanche warning for the backcountry in the Greater Lake Tahoe area. Officials said high avalanche danger was expected through Thursday morning for areas where there are no avalanche controls.5:30 p.m.: A tree fell onto a Sacramento County apartment building on Wednesday afternoon, causing some damage. Photos from the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department show damage to a portion of the roof and multiple balconies. Read more here. 4:33 p.m.: Chain controls are back on I-80. Chains are required for drivers traveling eastbound from Kingvale to Truckee and for drivers traveling westbound from Donner Lake Interchange to Eagle Lakes. 4:00 p.m.: A single-vehicle crash occurred on eastbound I-80 at Soda Springs, CHP said. Officials said the driver only reported minor pain. The agency did not say if the crash prompted any lane closures, but said crews are working to clear the scene. CHP reminds drivers that roadways are getting slick as the storm moves in. 3:49 p.m.: A tree has fallen along Interstate 80 in Solano County. The tree and debris are blocking two eastbound lanes of I-80 in Vacaville, near the Nut Tree Road exit.CHP said crews were on the way to clear the lanes.3:43 p.m.: Gov. Gavin Newsom said he was deploying additional emergency response resources as the storm hits most of the state. The governor said this includes additional flood fighting and debris flow response resources from the Office of Emergency Services for El Dorado and Nevada counties. He said Cal OES has already deployed 120 miles of protective measures across the state.Additionally, Newsom said 133 Cal Fire engines were deployed across Northern California for rapid response. 3:19 p.m.: Reporter Lee Anne Denyer is on I-80. Near Soda Springs, chain controls had dropped but conditions could quickly change.2:16 p.m.: Meteorologist Heather Waldman says that peak wind gusts on the east side of the Valley have been between 40-45 mph so far. Heavy rain is expected in Sacramento between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. and in the Foothills between 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The rain will then move up into the Sierra and quickly turn to snow, Waldman says. The snow level will lower from 6,000 feet to 3,500 feet. Heavy snow will continue all night. Valley wind and rain will ease after 8 p.m. 2:06 p.m.: KCRA 3's Cecil Hannibal will have updates from Colfax on the KCRA 3 News starting at 4 p.m. You can watch our newscasts live here. 2:01 p.m.: Meteorologist Heather Waldman says to expect heavy rain in Sacramento County between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. 1:58 p.m.: KCRA 3's Cecil Hannibal has a view of conditions on I-80 near Dutch Flat. 1:43 p.m.: Chain controls are dropped, for now, on I-80. 12:34 p.m.: Kelly Curran says wind gusts have hit 47 mph in South Lake Tahoe. Expect 40 mph wind gusts today in the Valley through 5 p.m. 12:26 p.m.: We now have chain controls up on I-80. Eastbound I-80: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels from Cisco to Truckee.Westbound I-80: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels from the Donner Lake Interchange to 2.5 mi east of the Highway 20 junction. 10:10 a.m.: These are where chain controls stand as of this writing.Highway 50: No chain controlsInterstate 80: No chain controlsHighway 88: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel drives vehicles with snow tires equipped from Kirkwood in Amador County to five miles west of Picketts Junction in Alpine County. Highway 89: No chain controlsSee Melanie Wingo's report from Kingvale this morning in the video below. 9:25 a.m.: Meteorologist Heather Waldman offers a quick look at what to expect for Sierra snow.REAL-TIME TRAFFIC MAPClick here to see our interactive traffic map.TRACK INTERACTIVE, DOPPLER RADARClick here to see our interactive radar.DOWNLOAD OUR APP FOR THE LATESTHere is where you can download our app.Follow our KCRA weather team on social mediaMeteorologist Tamara Berg on Facebook and X.Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn on FacebookMeteorologist/Climate Reporter Heather Waldman on Facebook and X.Meteorologist Kelly Curran on X.Watch our forecasts on TV or onlineHere's where to find our latest video forecast. You can also watch a livestream of our latest newscast here. The banner on our website turns red when we're live.We're also streaming on the Very Local app for Roku, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

Another round of wet weather in Northern California on Friday will bring rain to lower elevations and piles of snow to the Sierra.

The KCRA 3 weather team is issuing an Impact Day for Friday because of expected travel delays due to snow. School closures in areas hit hard with snow are also possible.

Expect chain controls at times because some parts of the Sierra could see a couple of feet of snow. Speed limits will be reduced on major roadways when chain controls are in effect. On Interstate 80, it is reduced to 30 mph. Along Highway 50, it is 25 mph.

Scattered rain showers could also impact outdoor activities and travel.

Below are live weather updates as they come in.

Live weather updates

Friday

1:13 p.m.: KCRA 3's Lee Anne Denyer has a view of the low-elevation snow in Grass Valley.

It’s a beautiful day in Grass Valley. Drive safe (if you have be on the roads at all), cozy up and enjoy ❄️ @kcranews pic.twitter.com/KFIML5APsy
— KCRA Lee Anne Denyer (@KCRALeeAnne) March 14, 2025

10:02 a.m.: The eastbound Interstate 80 offramp to Eureka Road will be closed for about one to two hours while crews work to clear a crash.

🚨The Eastbound I-80 offramp to Eureka Road is closed due to a crash. This exit will be closed for approximately 1-2 hours. Please use an alternate route. Thank you for your patience!🚨#drivesafe #chp pic.twitter.com/9Hu912FToz
— CHP Auburn (@CHPAuburn) March 14, 2025

8:48 a.m.: Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn goes how the timeline for low snow.

Video Player is loading.

Current Time 0:00

Duration 0:00

Loaded: 0%

Stream Type LIVE

Remaining Time 0:00

8:41 a.m.: Reporter Mike TeSelle captured pictures of flowers with a thin layer of snow on them.

Snow on the flowers and blooms in Camino Heights. 3000’. @kcranews pic.twitter.com/fw9INpFIPd
— Mike TeSelle (@MikeTeSelleTV) March 14, 2025

8:23 a.m.: Snow is sticking at Camino Heights, which is at a 3,000-feet elevation.

Snow sticking at 3000’ elevation level right now. @KCRAtberg #kcra3 #weather #lowsnow pic.twitter.com/eEPJZVwd74
— Mike TeSelle (@MikeTeSelleTV) March 14, 2025

7 a.m.: Here is a look at stormy conditions from our 7 a.m. newscast.

Video Player is loading.

Current Time 0:00

Duration 0:00

Loaded: 0%

Stream Type LIVE

Remaining Time 0:00

6:53 a.m.: Reporter Mike TeSelle shows how much snow has piled up along Highway 50.

More Friday snow along Highway 50. Bring those tire chains of heading up this weekend. @kcranews @kcraBrianHickey @KCRAtberg #kcra #lowsnow pic.twitter.com/S5YGNAsQ76
— Mike TeSelle (@MikeTeSelleTV) March 14, 2025

4:49 a.m.: Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn shares what to expect on the seven-day forecast.

Thursday

10:27 p.m.: Reporter Peyton Headlee was in Live Tracker 3, which was stuck in traffic on westbound I-80 near Rainbow in Placer County. The traffic remained from the crash in Blue Canyon reported earlier.

Just before 10:30 p.m., Headlee said CHP reopened the interstate.

Video Player is loading.

Current Time 0:00

Duration 0:00

Loaded: 0%

Stream Type LIVE

Remaining Time 0:00

8:30 p.m.: Reporter Anahita Jafary traveled along Highway 88 on Thursday, where drivers were met with closures.

The eastbound lanes of the highway closed Thursday morning, so people eager to hit the slopes at Kirkwood Ski Resort had to find a different route.

Three-year-old Cash was having a blast in the snow with his mom Kylie Gomas at Peddler Vista. But he had a bit too much fun and got stuck in the snow. Luckily, a Caltrans worker was able to help him out.

Video Player is loading.

Current Time 0:00

Duration 0:00

Loaded: 0%

Stream Type LIVE

Remaining Time 0:00

8:11 p.m.: The California Highway Patrol said I-80 westbound was closed at Donner Lake due to multiple crashes in Blue Canyon involving several vehicles and big rigs.

CHP shared a photo of one of the crashes and it shows a sedan sandwiched between two big rigs, with the front and back of the car crushed.

California Highway Patrol

6 p.m.: Highway 88 traffic in Ione was released after being held temporarily due to three-vehicle crash near Blue Sky Drive that caused multiple injuries and required a person to be removed from their vehicle before being taken to the hospital.

KCRA 3's Anahita Jafary was in Amador County on Thursday monitoring traffic conditions on Highway 88.

Kylie Gomas and her son Cash were making the most of the dat, saying they've been getting a lot of rain and wind recently.

But 3-year-old cash had a little too much fun and he got stuck in the snow while playing. luckily CalTrans was there to help.

A worker pulled the child out of the snow so he could get back to his snowball making.

4:26 p.m.: Traffic is being held on Highway 50 from Echo Summit to Meyers because of spinouts.

Here's a chain control update.

I-80: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels from Donner Lake Interchange to 4.7 miles west of Kingvale.

Highway 50: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels from 1.5 miles east of Kyburz to Meyers.

2:50 p.m.: Meteorologist Heather Waldman reports that ski resorts have reported more than 2 feet of snow over the past 24 hours. The statewide snowpack is now at 82% of the April 1 average.

Ski resorts around Lake Tahoe have reported more than 2' of snow over the past 24 hours!

California's statewide snowpack has jumped 5% in that time. More snow to come today & tomorrow. Snow will be low (~~1500') before 9am! pic.twitter.com/WmquqKgGGa
— Heather Waldman (@KCRAHeather) March 13, 2025

2:38 p.m.: Meteorologist Heather Waldman says radar has been active this afternoon with small but intense bursts of rain and hail in the Valley and Foothills. Expect this to continue through about 7 p.m.

Sierra snow showers will continue above 3,500 feet.

1:29 p.m.: The National Weather Service Sacramento division issued a special weather statement for the Sonora, Phoenix Lake and Angels areas until 2:15 p.m. Wind gusts of up to 30 mph and pea-sized hail are possible.

A special weather statement has been issued for Sonora CA, Phoenix Lake CA and Angels CA until 2:15 PM PDT pic.twitter.com/3UT6qDmfPu
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) March 13, 2025

1:17 p.m.: The National Weather Service Sacramento division issued a special weather statement for the Rocklin, Granite Bay and Auburn area until 1:45 p.m. Wind gusts of up to 30 mph and pea-sized hail are possible.

1:11 p.m.: The National Weather Service Sacramento division issued a special weather statement for the Redding and Anderson areas in Shasta County until 2 p.m. Wind gusts of up to 30 mph and pea-sized hail are possible.

11:05 a.m.: Highway 50 has reopened after crews had to temporarily hold traffic for avalanche control.

10:41 a.m.: Palisades Tahoe ski resort reports it got 25 inches of fresh snow as of 6 a.m., and it expects to receive more.

10:23 a.m.: Nevada County Sheriff's Search and Rescue said it rescued vehicles that were stranded in the snow.

It got a report at 9:15 p.m. Wednesday about multiple stranded vehicles near Interstate 80. During a freeway shutdown or standstill traffic, the drivers tried taking alternate routes that had heavy snow and whiteout conditions.

The search and rescue team sent two Jeeps and gave them the people inside rides to lower elevations where family members were waiting to pick them up.

The operations were done by 1:30 a.m., search and rescue said.

9:37 a.m.: The California Highway Patrol said Highway 50's estimated time of reopening is 11 a.m. while crews work on avalanche control. Chiapa Drive to Echo Summit is affected by the avalanche control.

9:24 a.m.: Highway 50 traffic is being held for avalanche control from Placerville to Meyers, CHP says.

9:11 a.m.: Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn shares snow totals at Northern California ski resorts in the past 24 hours.

8:40 a.m.: Thousands of Pacific Gas & Electric Co. customers are without power Thursday morning amid snowy conditions. About 560 customers in Camino and another 1,000 customers in Twin Bridges are affected. There is no estimated time of restoration.

8:37 a.m.: Here are where chain controls stand as of this writing.

Highway 50

Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with snow tires from 3 miles east of Placerville to Sand Flat.

Interstate 80

Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with snow tires from 3.4 miles east of Gold Run in Placer County to the Nevada state line.

7:48 a.m.: Reporter Mike Teselle offers a look at snow falling in Pollock Pines.

Snow day in Pollock Pines. Elementary schools cancelled today. @kcranews @KCRAtberg #kcra #lowsnow pic.twitter.com/uSqDQblVBh
— Mike TeSelle (@MikeTeSelleTV) March 13, 2025

7 a.m.: Eastbound I-80 at the Donner Summit Rest Area has reopened.

6:20 a.m.: Pioneer Union School District will have a one-hour delay start with satellite stops for the Grizzly Route. Schools will still be dismissed at 1:50 p.m.

6 a.m.: Get a look at snow coverage from our 6 a.m. newscast in the video player below.

Video Player is loading.

Current Time 0:00

Duration 0:00

Loaded: 0%

Stream Type LIVE

Remaining Time 0:00

5:45 a.m.: Traffic is being held on eastbound I-80 at the Donner Summit Rest Area due to spinouts.

Camino Union Elementary School District and Pollock Pines Elementary School District schools are closed Thursday due to the snow.

5:00 a.m.: I-80 is closed to single-drive axle tractor-semitrailers towing double trailers from Applegate in Placert County to 5 miles west of Reno in Washoe County.

Chains are required on all vehicles except 4-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all 4 wheels from Colfax in Placer County to the Nevada State Line.

All westbound trucks are required to stop at the brake check area 0.5 miles west of Nyack in Placer County to reduce the risk of brake fires.

On Highway 50, chains are required on all vehicles except 4-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all 4 wheels 3 miles east of Placerville to Meyers in El Dorado County.

All Tahoe Truckee Unified School District schools will be closed on Thursday due to the snow.

Wednesday

10:19 p.m.: Reporter Carolina Estrada was in Pollock Pines, where snow accumulated several inches over just a few hours.

Residents told KCRA they were excited for the snow.

"I'd really love to snowboard down my driveway this year," said Pollock Pines resident Jamie Pare. "It's a tradition and this year it hasn't happened. So, I hope that this storm brings that."

Chain controls are in effect for Highway 50 from 3 miles east of Placerville to Meyers.

10:01 p.m.: California Highway Patrol dispatchers said I-80 is being reopened in both directions to passenger vehicles in the Sierra. Semi-trucks will be held or turned around.

8:15 p.m.: Highway 88 Carson Spur in Amador County is closed due to heavy snow and unsafe driving conditions, Caltrans said. Other mountain highways in Amador Alpine, Calaveras and Tuolumne counties, including Highway 4, 88, 89 and 108, have chain controls in place.

8:08 p.m.: The California Highway Patrol shared a photo of the conditions on I-80 eastbound, where the interstate is closed due to multiple crashes.

California Highway Patrol

CHP said all traffic is being turned back around westbound. There is no estimated time of reopening.

7:59 p.m.: A photo submitted by KCRA 3 viewer Marilyn Luna shows a tree that crashed through her fence and into her backyard pool in Dixon.

Marilyn Luna

Luna said the tree fell around 3:30 p.m.

7:32 p.m.: Reporter Lee Anne Denyer is traveling westbound on I-80. She noted conditions are worsening along both the eastbound and westbound sides of the interstate. Drivers are urged to avoid traveling in the area if they can avoid it.

7:10 p.m.: Reporter Andres Valle was tracking conditions along Highway 50 in the Sierra.

As he reached Riverton, he noted conditions were rapidly deteriorating in the area.

Conditions have rapidly deteriorated along Highway 50. Snow now sticking to the roadways near Riverton. #CAWX pic.twitter.com/ZzRvkm40H8
— Andres Valle (@AndresValleTV) March 13, 2025

6:53 p.m.: Traffic is being held on Interstate 80 for eastbound traffic in the Sierra.

Information from Caltrans shows traffic being held 3.4 miles east of Gold Run due to multiple spinouts.

6:19 p.m.: Reporter Lee Anne Denyer said conditions are worsening in Soda Springs. Visibility is getting low on the interstate.

And right on schedule, conditions have shifted. Snow is coming down more dramatically, visibility is low on the highway. Take it easy out there, all. @kcranews pic.twitter.com/aEdLwMz1ES
— KCRA Lee Anne Denyer (@KCRALeeAnne) March 13, 2025

6:11 p.m.: Reporter Carolina Estrada was in Pollock Pines, where snow began to fall on Wednesday evening.

NOW: Snow starting to come down in Pollock Pines! No chain controls on HWY 50 yet. More updates on @kcranews pic.twitter.com/6o8gZum6LW
— Carolina Estrada (@Caro_Estradaaa) March 13, 2025

5:41 p.m.: The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee issues an avalanche warning for the backcountry in the Greater Lake Tahoe area. Officials said high avalanche danger was expected through Thursday morning for areas where there are no avalanche controls.

5:30 p.m.: A tree fell onto a Sacramento County apartment building on Wednesday afternoon, causing some damage.

Photos from the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department show damage to a portion of the roof and multiple balconies. Read more here.

Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department

4:33 p.m.: Chain controls are back on I-80. Chains are required for drivers traveling eastbound from Kingvale to Truckee and for drivers traveling westbound from Donner Lake Interchange to Eagle Lakes.

4:00 p.m.: A single-vehicle crash occurred on eastbound I-80 at Soda Springs, CHP said. Officials said the driver only reported minor pain.

The agency did not say if the crash prompted any lane closures, but said crews are working to clear the scene.

CHP reminds drivers that roadways are getting slick as the storm moves in.

California Highway Patrol

3:49 p.m.: A tree has fallen along Interstate 80 in Solano County.

The tree and debris are blocking two eastbound lanes of I-80 in Vacaville, near the Nut Tree Road exit.

CHP said crews were on the way to clear the lanes.

California Highway Patrol

TREE DOWN ON I-80 | A tree fell on the eastbound side of I-80 near Vacaville on Wednesday, narrowly missing some vehicles.

Viewer Sam from Fairfield captured this on their Tesla dashcam. To share your video with KCRA, visit https://t.co/i1GvDyu7df pic.twitter.com/v5eujzedTI
— kcranews (@kcranews) March 12, 2025

3:43 p.m.: Gov. Gavin Newsom said he was deploying additional emergency response resources as the storm hits most of the state.

The governor said this includes additional flood fighting and debris flow response resources from the Office of Emergency Services for El Dorado and Nevada counties. He said Cal OES has already deployed 120 miles of protective measures across the state.

Additionally, Newsom said 133 Cal Fire engines were deployed across Northern California for rapid response.

3:19 p.m.: Reporter Lee Anne Denyer is on I-80. Near Soda Springs, chain controls had dropped but conditions could quickly change.

NOW: We’re along I-80 at about 6,500 feet, approaching Soda Springs. So far, roads are good. @CaltransDist3 had chain control up for about an hour earlier but they’re down now. Spokesperson says that could change as we head into the evening. @kcranews pic.twitter.com/4gVxzyGTpJ
— KCRA Lee Anne Denyer (@KCRALeeAnne) March 12, 2025

2:16 p.m.: Meteorologist Heather Waldman says that peak wind gusts on the east side of the Valley have been between 40-45 mph so far.

Heavy rain is expected in Sacramento between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. and in the Foothills between 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The rain will then move up into the Sierra and quickly turn to snow, Waldman says.

The snow level will lower from 6,000 feet to 3,500 feet.

Heavy snow will continue all night. Valley wind and rain will ease after 8 p.m.

2:06 p.m.: KCRA 3's Cecil Hannibal will have updates from Colfax on the KCRA 3 News starting at 4 p.m. You can watch our newscasts live here.

2:01 p.m.: Meteorologist Heather Waldman says to expect heavy rain in Sacramento County between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Here's comes the heavy rain.

This will be in Sac County between 3 & 4. Foothills between 4 & 6.

This line will move into the Sierra after 6pm. That's when the snow level drops fast. Tracking it all for you starting at 4 on @kcranews pic.twitter.com/8hfAdilJr8
— Heather Waldman (@KCRAHeather) March 12, 2025

1:58 p.m.: KCRA 3's Cecil Hannibal has a view of conditions on I-80 near Dutch Flat.

1:43 p.m.: Chain controls are dropped, for now, on I-80.

12:34 p.m.: Kelly Curran says wind gusts have hit 47 mph in South Lake Tahoe. Expect 40 mph wind gusts today in the Valley through 5 p.m.

Video Player is loading.

Current Time 0:00

Duration 0:00

Loaded: 0%

Stream Type LIVE

Remaining Time 0:00

12:26 p.m.: We now have chain controls up on I-80.

Eastbound I-80: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels from Cisco to Truckee.

Westbound I-80: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels from the Donner Lake Interchange to 2.5 mi east of the Highway 20 junction.

10:10 a.m.: These are where chain controls stand as of this writing.

Highway 50: No chain controls
Interstate 80: No chain controls
Highway 88: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel drives vehicles with snow tires equipped from Kirkwood in Amador County to five miles west of Picketts Junction in Alpine County.
Highway 89: No chain controls

See Melanie Wingo's report from Kingvale this morning in the video below.

Video Player is loading.

Current Time 0:00

Duration 0:00

Loaded: 0%

Stream Type LIVE

Remaining Time 0:00

9:25 a.m.: Meteorologist Heather Waldman offers a quick look at what to expect for Sierra snow.

Snow has started in the Sierra. It'll be heaviest this evening with the snow level dropping below 4,000'.

Up to 3' of snow possible over the summits by Thursday afternoon, but we're not done there. A second system will add on (and slow travel) Friday.https://t.co/EYLyFBVJt7
— Heather Waldman (@KCRAHeather) March 12, 2025

REAL-TIME TRAFFIC MAP

Click here to see our interactive traffic map.
TRACK INTERACTIVE, DOPPLER RADAR
Click here to see our interactive radar.
DOWNLOAD OUR APP FOR THE LATEST
Here is where you can download our app.
Follow our KCRA weather team on social media

Meteorologist Tamara Berg on Facebook and X.
Meteorologist Dirk Verdoorn on Facebook
Meteorologist/Climate Reporter Heather Waldman on Facebook and X.
Meteorologist Kelly Curran on X.

Watch our forecasts on TV or online
Here's where to find our latest video forecast. You can also watch a livestream of our latest newscast here. The banner on our website turns red when we're live.

We're also streaming on the Very Local app for Roku, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

Northern California winter storm updates: Chain controls on Sierra roads amid piles of snow

Share

Share

Share

Live weather updates

Top Picks