South Lake Tahoe, California – Travel across the Sierra is slowing to a crawl as heavy snow and wind gusts up to 55 mph hammer Lake Tahoe and Mono County, creating near whiteout conditions at higher elevations through 10 p.m. Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Reno, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 10 p.m. for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area, Lassen and eastern Plumas counties, eastern Sierra communities and Mono County. Snow totals in the Tahoe Basin range from 6 to 12 inches, with 12 to 18 inches above 7,000 feet. In Mono County, 8 to 16 inches have fallen along the Sierra crest, with 2 to 6 inches along Highway 395. Ridge winds are gusting to 45 to 55 mph, producing blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility.
Communities including South Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Incline Village, Mammoth Lakes, Susanville and Portola are seeing slick highways, icy overpasses and chain controls. U.S. 50, Interstate 80 and Highway 395 remain vulnerable to long delays and possible temporary closures, especially in exposed mountain passes.
Drivers should postpone non-essential travel, carry chains and check 511 before departing. Even after snowfall tapers late this evening, icy patches are expected overnight as temperatures drop. Additional advisories could follow if bands redevelop or winds remain strong.
