Interstate 80 reopens to passenger vehicles in Sierra after heavy snow forced closure
TRUCKEE – All traffic was turned around on Interstate 80 in the Sierra as an atmospheric river dumped snow Wednesday night.
Caltrans' website said traffic was being turned around in Applegate and at the Nevada state line due to spin-outs. But by 11 p.m., Caltrans said the interstate was closed to all semi-trucks from Applegate to five miles west of Reno due to the snow.
All other vehicles must have chains.
Snow levels dropped to about 4,000 feet. Parts of the Sierra are seeing about 2-4 inches per hour.
A winter storm warning is in effect through the night and into Thursday. A winter storm watch is also in effect as a second storm is expected to bring heavy snow to the Sierra again Thursday night.
Portions of other Sierra highways—such as Highway 89, Highway 4, Highway 108 and Highway 88—are closed due to the snow.
It's unknown when any of the highways will reopen.
Highway 50 has chain controls in place from Placerville to Meyers.
