Sierra wintry conditions triggers 6 big rig pileup on I-80

GOLD RANCH -- While a frigid cold front had moved out of the Bay Area Wednesday morning, it was still raising havoc in the Sierra where treacherous driving conditions led to a 7-vehicle pileup on I-80 near Gold Ranch.

Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue tweeted out that crews were on the scene assisting with at least two people who suffered injuries in the pre-dawn crash.

Authorities said 6 big rigs and a vehicle were involved in the crash that has shut down lanes on I-80 in Nevada.

"No serious injuries reported," Truckee Meadows officials tweeted.  "Icy conditions from state line into Verdi. Expect significant delays throughout the morning as crews work to clear the roadway."

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Lake Tahoe Area until 8 p.m. Wednesday.

"Snow showers," forecasters said of the conditions. "Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches, except 3 to 6 inches above 7000 feet. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph."

Forecasters also warned motorist to drive with caution.

"Higher up into the Sierra, road conditions are bit more variable but generally slushy to icy or snow packed  (especially once you get to many of the passes)," the NWS Reno forecasters said. "Make sure to check road conditions before heading out this morning. Some patchy icy spots cannot be ruled out even down at the lower valley floors as temperatures continue to fall to freezing or below this morning. "

By mid-morning Wednesday, the storm had dumped a foot of new snow at the Sierra Snow Lab near the summit, 10 inches at Soda Springs, 8 inches at Palisades Tahoe and 5 inches at Blue Canyon.