Snow, Rain, Wind Slam Northern California
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Piles of snow are falling in the Sierra and foothills while rain is dumping in the Valley as Northern California continues to get pounded by cold, wet winter storm that is forcing school closures, triggering an avalanche bulletin in the central Sierra and travel restrictions on U.S. Interstate 80 from Reno to Sacramento.
____________________
• School Closures & Delays| • CBS13 Weather Forecast | • Live CBS13 Radar • Traffic Conditions | • CBS13 Street Team | • PG&E Power Outage Map | • Photo Gallery: Viewer Storm Pics
____________________
The traffic conditions in the Sierra are constantly changing with some roads being shutdown or closed to big rigs. Chains are required on all major mountain passes.
Up to 8 inches of snow was expected by Friday night on the valley floor in Reno and more than 3 feet at the higher elevations of the Sierra.
The Forest Service raised the avalanche threat to "high" throughout the central Sierra. It said unstable snow in the backcountry made "large destructive avalanches likely" through Saturday morning.
In the Valley, the wind is creating major problems including toppling trees.
Power is out in several areas.
The rain and snow began falling on Thursday and generally has not let up.
