Interstate 80 closed in Tahoe region after snowfall leads to vehicle spinouts
Authorities on Monday afternoon closed Interstate 80 in both directions as snowfall in the Sierra Nevada produced vehicle spinouts along the freeway heading to Lake Tahoe.
About 1:40 p.m., the California Highway Patrol Truckee Area Office announced that I-80 was closed in both directions from Drum Forebay to the Donner Lake Interchange. The CHP said the freeway closure was due to multiple spinouts over Donner Summit. There was no estimated time of reopening.
About 3:15 p.m. Monday, the Caltrans QuickMap online showed eastbound traffic on I-80 was being stopped near Alta in Placer County. That road close became effective at 2:09 p.m. Monday. Westbound traffic was stopped at 2:12 p.m. near Truckee, according to the Caltrans map.
Caltrans officials said drivers should expect travel delays with the winter-like weather in the Sierra on Monday. They urged drivers to slow down to arrive at their destinations safely.
The CHP said tire-chain controls were in place on I-80 eastbound from Cisco Grove to the Donner Lake Interchange and I-80 westbound from the Donner Lake Interchange to Eagle Lakes. Trucks were at minimum restrictions. The CHP said roads outside the chain controls remain slick and wet.
The National Weather Service in Sacramento expected snowfall Monday in the Sierra elevations above 5,000 to 6,000 feet. Lingering showers were expected Tuesday in the Sierra, before a more significant storm system with more snow moves through the area Thursday into Friday morning.
This story was originally published November 11, 2024 at 4:05 PM.
