First Alert Weather: Thousands still without power in Tahoe after winter storm

Snow totals at the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab were impressive over the weekend. 

The center says they say 11" of snow over a 24-hour period, and had a total 48.8" over a 48-hour period. 

The total amount from the past two storms that started hitting the region late last week is at 59". 

Just over 6,000 customers remain without power in the Tahoe area on Monday morning. 

Liberty Utilities says power should be restored by either 12 p.m. or 8 p.m.

More than 21,400 Liberty Utilities customers in the Lake Tahoe area were without power amid a major storm Sunday night.

According to the utility's power outage map, the estimated time for power restoration isn't until noon Monday.

Most of the customers are on the south side of Lake Tahoe, where the temperatures are expected to remain below 20 degrees through the night.

The cause of the outage is unclear at this time, however, strong winds of up to 50 miles per hour were expected during this weekend storm. That means a higher risk for downed trees and power lines across the Sierra and foothills.

Heavy snow dumped all across the Sierra while the valley was hit with widespread rain.

A Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service Sacramento will remain in place through 4 a.m. Monday for the northern Sierra and the western side of the Plumas National Forest.

An additional two feet of snow is possible in the Sierra at elevations above 4,500 feet, while an additional foot of snow is likely for the western Plumas.

Overnight mountain travel is considered dangerous.

As the weather has led to intermittent closures of Highway 50 in the Sierra, traffic on the other major corridor over the mountain was moving slowly.

Chain controls were still in place on Interstate 80. Snow and ice on the road has traffic moving at a snail's pace. Additionally, big rigs were still being turned around on westbound I-80 at the state line and eastbound I-80 at Applegate.

Highway 50 was shut down in both directions just west of Kyburz due to multiple spinouts.

Caltrans said all traffic was being held near the Sand Flat campground and tow trucks were working to clear the area.

At this time, it is unclear when the roadway would reopen.

Visit the CBS Sacramento weather page for more.

With the heavy dumping of fresh powder this weekend's storm has brought, Sierra ski resort Palisades Tahoe said their snow total for the month of December has already eclipsed 7.5 feet — with 35 inches of that coming just between Saturday morning and Sunday morning.

The resort said that period makes for the sixth-largest 24-hour snowfall they have on record.

The National Weather Service Sacramento tweeted late Sunday afternoon that more widespread rain should reach the valley during the evening hours. Beforehand, thunderstorms and isolated showers may occur, which could produce hail and lightning strikes.

Highway 50 is back open between Meyers and Placerville. Caltrans said chain controls are still required and intermittent closures should be expected.

https://twitter.com/CaltransDist3/status/1602073940494405632

Following a closure of Highway 50 shortly before 1:30 p.m. between Placerville and Kyburz, Caltrans said travelers should expect intermittent closures between Placerville and Meyers due to multiple spinouts and avalanche control on Echo Summit.

Caltrans cameras show whiteout conditions in the area with low visibility.

Check here for updated road conditions.

Just before 1:30 p.m., Highway 50 closed between the city of Placerville and Kyburz due to vehicle spinouts.

There is no estimated time of reopening, according to Caltrans.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE -- More than 17,000 Liberty Utilities customers in the greater Lake Tahoe area are without power Sunday morning due to downed wires.

City of South Lake Tahoe crews say they are working on repairs in several neighborhoods.

For an update on outages, visit Liberty Utilities' website.

PLACER COUNTY -- Intestate 80 in both directions has just reopened to passenger vehicles only. 

Trucks are still being turned around at Colfax and the Nevada state line, according to Caltrans.   

Chains are required to travel over the summit.

Darla Givens has the latest forecast for the Sacramento region.

PLACER COUNTY -- Interstate 80 remains closed Sunday morning due to white-out conditions in the Sierra.

It is closed to all traffic, from Colfax to the Nevada state line, according to Caltrans.

Highway 50 remains open, but chains are required for all vehicles except those with four-wheel drive.

Mountain snow is expected to continue throughout the day, with levels dropping as low as 2,500 feet by Monday morning.

According to Caltrans, SR-49 is closed at Downieville, and SR-90 is closed at Sattley due to zero visibility.

No estimated time of reopening has been given.

According to Caltrans, traffic between Meyers and Echo Summit is being temporarily held for avalanche control operations.

Caltrans says that traffic is being turned around in Colfax, westbound at the California-Nevada Stateline, and SR-20 is closed at Nevada State in Nevada City.

Heavenly Lake Tahoe uploaded a video showing the powerful winds that caused a wind hold Saturday morning.

According to Caltrans, traffic on I-80 in the Sierra is being held because of several vehicle spinouts and blowing snow.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory for Placer, Colusa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba Counties. The advisory is in effect until 1:15 p.m. Saturday.

Periods of moderate to locally heavy rain may bring localized roadway flooding, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters say those counties could see minor street flooding, local ponding of water on area roadways and small streams and creeks rise.

SACRAMENTO -- More than 29,000 Sacramento Municipal Utility District customers are currently without power. Most of those impacted are along Highway 99 in the greater Elk Grove area.

For updates, visit: https://www.smud.org/en/Customer-Support/Outage-Status

TRUCKEE -- The California Highway Patrol is reporting that the snow is starting to come down fast, and roads are extremely slick and icy.

For current updates on road conditions visit: quickmap.dot.ca.gov

This week's second storm is set to bring heavy rain and snow through the entire weekend.

This storm will begin dumping widespread snow in the Sierra and rain across the Sacramento Valley during the overnight hours.

Elevations above 5,500 feet may see several feet of snow and wind gusts could exceed 50 miles per hour, which brings a higher risk for fallen trees and downed power lines.

Snow levels could dip to 2-3,000 feet by Sunday with alternating rain and snow in those areas.

This storm may possibly stick around until Monday.

Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol have both cautioned against mountain travel unless absolutely necessary. Lengthy road closures and traffic delays are to be expected on major highways like the 50 and I-80 where there will be near-zero visiblity and whiteout conditions for much of the weekend.

Stay up-to-date on highway conditions like chain controls and closures here.

For more weather-related info, head to the CBS Sacramento weather page.

Despite the coming storm, the Annual Rio Linda Elverta Christmas Lights Parade is still a go.

The event will be held Saturday in downtown Rio Linda.

Sacramento's Santa Parade has been canceled this weekend due to the coming storm.

The announcement was made on the event's Facebook page Friday morning.

People are being urged to stay home Friday night through Sunday as heavy snow and gusty winds make their way to the Sierra.

With up to 2-5 feet of snow possible, road conditions are expected to deteriorate fast. Near-zero visibility conditions are also expected.

As of Friday morning, chains are required on I-80 from 2 miles east of Baxter in Placer County to Truckee and from Twin Bridges to Meyers on Highway 50. 

The California Highway Patrol Truckee said chain controls were in place between Drum Forebay and Truckee.

Sacramento County announced Thursday that the warming center located at the Department of Human Assistance on 28th Street will be extended through at least December 16 as two weather events roll through the region.

The first of two storms began moving into the region late Thursday afternoon.

Light rain has already started falling in some areas like Yuba City with it expected to arrive in Sacramento as early as 5 p.m.

As early as 5 p.m., the Sierra will begin seeing what will amount to several inches of snow. Light snow will start dumping on Interstate 80 before spreading toward Highway 50 between 7 and 8 p.m.

The valley will see rain showers possibly by the early evening.

Widespread snow will continue and begin tapering off early Friday morning ahead of an even bigger storm that should impact the region as early as the afternoon. Snow levels for the first storm will start at 3,000' and rise to the 4,500'-level as warmer air works in.

That second storm will bring heavy rain into the Valley through Sunday and possibly Monday with winds reaching as high as 40 miles per hour, and the Sierra should see several feet of snow over that same timeframe.

Whiteout conditions and road closures should be expected up and down the mountain through the weekend.

Both Saturday and Sunday are First Alert Action Days, so stick with this page for updates throughout the life of these two storms.

Fairfield residents and business owners can pick up sandbags at the city's Public Works Corporation yard starting Thursday and into Friday. 

Sand to fill the bags will be at the corner of Pittman and Cordelia roads as well as the southeast corner of Allan Witt Park. 

Residents should be advised that the bags are self-serve, but there is a 10-bag limit. Bags should also only be filled about halfway, officials say. 

The sandbag locations will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. 

A backcountry Avalanche Watch has been issued from 7 a.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday in the Central Sierra Mountains as well as the Greater Lake Tahoe area due to the approaching storm, according to the Sierra Avalanche Center. 

Officials warn that avalanche danger will be high during this timeframe. 

Two more storms are set to impact our area this week, with the most impactful weather expected on Saturday.

The first storm is expected to bring showers to the Valley and snow the Sierra starting as early as Thursday afternoon. Overall impacts are expected to be minor, though, as this will be a quick storm that will exit by Friday morning.

Snow levels for the first storm will start at 3,000' and rise to the 4,500'-level as warmer air works in. Only about a couple of tenths of an inch of rain is expected in the Valley, with 3-6 inches possible in the Sierra.

The second storm is expected to sweep in Friday night, leaving not much downtime between the two systems.

Heavy snow will spread over the Sierra late Friday through Sunday, while widespread rain is expected for the Valley Friday night through Sunday as well.

Impacts for the second storm are expected to be major. Sierra travelers should expect intermittent road closures, chain controls, low visibility, travel delays, and even possible power outages due to high wind. Valley drivers should expect slick roads and longer than usual commutes.

Several feet of snow is expected above the 4,500'-level, with 1-3' likely in localized amounts. Wind gusts are expected to be around 60 mph on Saturday, bringing near-zero visibility at times. Further, Sierra ridges could see 90 mph gusts.

Snow levels are expected to drop to around the 2,000-3,000' level by Sunday. 

Eastbound traffic was briefly halted due to multiple spinouts near Kingvale. Just before 4 p.m., Caltrans said traffic was flowing again.

Chain controls remain in place as snowfall remains steady in the area.

Chain controls are continuing from Kingvale to Truckee on eastbound I-80 and from Truckee to Eagle Lakes on westbound I-80. They're also required on Hwy. 50 from Twin Bridges to Meyers in both directions.

Interstate 80 eastbound traffic is being held at Alta due to multiple spinouts. There is currently no estimated time of when this action will be lifted, Caltrans says. Follow Caltrans Dist. 3 on Twitter for more updates.

Westbound I-80 at Truckee is being turned around due to multiple spinouts. There is no estimated time of when the roadway will reopen. Chain controls are in effect on eastbound I-80 from Gold Run to Truckee. Be prepared for slow going in the Sierra.

Traffic maps: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

It's another First Alert Action Day:

• Heavy mountain snow
• Possible road closures in the high country
• Thunderstorms are possible in the valley and foothills

SIERRA IMPACTS:

MODERATE: We can expect to see intermittent road closures, chain controls, and dangerous travel. There will be an additional 6-12 inches for the Sierra, but some of the higher passes, like Emigrant Gap, will pick up an additional 1-2 feet. 

VALLEY IMPACTS:

MINOR: We can expect to see slick roads and longer-than-usual commutes. There could be localized ponding of water on roadways, especially where thunderstorms develop. 

Thunderstorms are expected from late morning to late afternoon. Storms in the valley may produce occasional cloud-to-ground lightning strikes, small hail, and heavy rain. 

WEATHER ALERTS:

A Winter Storm Warning has been extended for the Sierra until early Monday afternoon. 

TIMING:

A line of moderate rain will likely swing through the Valley during overnight hours, and pushing into the foothills by sunrise Monday morning. This line will result in very heavy snow for a period of time in the Sierra during the morning broadcast. 

Snow will continue to fluctuate in intensity in the Sierra through the rest of the morning and the valley will see a lull in the rain. 

If sunshine breaks out in the valley during the morning timeframe and temperatures rise into the 50s, we could pop thunderstorms during the late morning and afternoon period. These storms will be the ones that may produce occasional cloud-to-ground lightning strikes along with small hail. 

Beyond that, we can expect residual rain showers in the Valley and Foothills through Monday night into Tuesday morning, and snow showers will linger in the Sierra until Tuesday morning, but these are expected to be fairly light. 

LOOKING AHEAD: 

Fog will develop each morning across the Valley with frost possible Wednesday when temperatures dip into the low to mid-30s. 

Another storm will likely bring another round of rain and snow to our area Thursday-Saturday. The timing still needs to be nailed down but up to an inch of rain is possible for the valley (most spots around a half-inch or less). Snowfall amounts of 3-6 inches in the Sierra are likely with the next storm. The overall impacts of this storm will be minor. 

Here are the rainfall totals for the last 24 hours, as of 5 p.m.:

• Newcastle: 3.86"
• Nevada City: 3.03"
• Placerville: 2.60"
• Amador: 2.40"
• Sacramento: 1.90"

The winter storm warning for the Sierra remains in effect until early afternoon Monday.

Traffic on westbound I-80 is being held at Stateline because of spinouts.

No estimated time of reopening has been given.

Here are the 24-snow totals for Sierra ski resorts over the last 24 hours. Boreal and Soda Springs had 20 inches. The snow is continuing to fall as the storm passes through our area and traveling in the mountains is still highly discouraged.

Chain controls are in effect in the Sierra.

Requirement 2 (R2): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels. NOTE: (Four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.), Caltrans says.

As of 10:30 p.m. Saturday, downtown Sacramento received 1.75 inches of rain, making this the third wettest December on record. The record, dating back to 1890, was 2 inches.

Today, rain and mountain snow is continuing in Northern California. 

• More precipitation is on the way today and Monday
• Snow levels are descending in the Sierra
• Road conditions and visibility will deteriorate as snowfall continues, leading to near whiteout conditions at times, major traffic delays, possible road closures, and chain controls.
• Mountain travel is highly discouraged. See the latest Caltrans maps for delays and closures.

TIMING:

The storm continues until 4 a.m. Monday

FORECAST

• 1-3 feet of snow above 4,000' over the Sierra
• 10-14 inches of snow above 3,000' over Shasta County and the Coastal Range.
• Potential thunderstorm impacts include lightning, small hail, brief heavy rain, and gusty winds.

Here are some tools you can use to track the storm today: 

• Watch CBS Sacramento through 11 a.m. for the latest developments
• Download the CBS13 Weather App and get access to live, interactive radar
• Visit the CBS13 Weather page for the latest radar images, 7-day totals, the latest video forecast, and more.
• Along with following CBS13 on Twitter, follow the National Weather Service - Sacramento as well.

Traffic is no longer being held on I-80 eastbound at Floriston after multiple spinouts caused issues.

We're expecting to see as much as three feet of new snow in the Sierra by the time the storm moves out next week. 

Here's the snowfall projection for the Sierra by the time the storm wraps up early next week.  

And here's the hour-by-hour precipitation forecast for the Sierra today.

Another round of wet weather moves back in on Friday. 

Our region is seeing moderate to heavy rain in spots across the region.

Here are the high temperatures across the region. 

The National Weather Service is sharing tips for drivers who may decide to drive through the mountains this weekend during the storm. 

Darla Givens has the latest First Alert Weather forecast update.

Runners in the California International Marathon will be in for a wet morning when the race gets underway Sunday. 

Some roads will be closed in the Sacramento region for the race. You can see the list of closures, here (PDF). 

A winter storm warning is in effect that will last until 4 a.m. Monday morning. The snow level will be around 6,000'-8,000' Saturday. It will then lower to around 4,00'-6,000' Sunday.

• Scattered rain showers will move into the Sacramento area around 9 a.m.-10 a.m. 
• This afternoon, we'll see more moderate rain, pushing into the Foothills and bringing snow into the Sierra, which will also pick up intensity this afternoon.
• Now is the best time to travel through the high country. 
• On Sunday, we'll see rain during the early morning hours. It'll push into the Foothills, bringing widespread Sierra snow.
• A rain band moves in around 10 a.m.
• The snow level will move down to 4,000-6,000 feet.

The USFS in Lake Tahoe has this advice for those headed into the backcountry to enjoy the snow: 

The second of back-to-back winter storms was making its way Friday toward the Sierra Nevada, where up to 2 feet (61 centimeters) of snow already has fallen on the mountains around Lake Tahoe — much to the delight of area ski resorts.

Mountain highways reopened under sunny skies Friday and classes resumed two hours late at schools around the lake where they were closed on Thursday.

A winter storm warning expired at 4 a.m. Friday but a new one goes into effect at 4 a.m. Saturday into Monday morning for most of the Sierra from south of Yosemite National Park to north of Lake Tahoe and Reno.

Last 24-hour Totals

Two feet (61 cm) of snow was reported at Homewood resort on Tahoe's west shore, 22 inches (56 cm) at Northstar in Truckee, 20 (51 cm) at Palisades near Tahoe City and 19 (48 cm) at Mount Rose on the southwest edge of Reno.

The most snow so far, 30 inches (76 cm), was recorded late Thursday and overnight south of Yosemite at the top of Mammoth Mountain ski resort near Mammoth Lakes.

Timing The Storm

Saturday

• 6 a.m.-noon: Light rain moves into the valley and will gradually increase through the noon hour -- the region from Redding to the southern portion of the San Joaquin Valley will be affected. 
• Snow will persist in the Sierra and there will likely be chain controls in the mountain passes. 
• 11 p.m.: Cold air moves in as the earlier system circulates off to the east. Snow levels drop overnight with the colder air. 
• The high temperature in the Sierra will be 40 degrees and the low will be 31.

Sunday

• Scattered showers will persist in the valley in the morning. Snow levels will descend to about 5,500 feet. 
• The high temperature in the Sierra will be 36 and the low will be 22.

Monday

• Snow will persist in the Sierra. Things will settle down on Tuesday and then we'll dry out Wednesday.

Snow Forecast Totals

•  Another 6 to 17 inches (15-42 cm) is expected into the weekend at elevations above 7,000 feet (2,133 meters)
• Four to 10 inches (10-25 cm) is expected to fall below 7,000 around Lake Tahoe, the National Weather Service said Friday.

Local Warming Centers

Cold temperatures have prompted Sacramento and Sacramento County to open warming centers. Between Friday and next Tuesday, you can visit any of these places to stay warm: 

• Outreach & Engagement Center (3615 Auburn Blvd.): 8 p.m.-8 a.m.
• North Fifth Street Shelter lobby (700 North Fifth St.): 8 p.m.-8 a.m. Adults only.
• DHA Annex (1725 28th St.): 7 p.m.-7 a.m.

The city of Stockton is also opening an overnight warming zone to help people get out of the cold. Stribley Community Center will be open through Sunday. There, people can get access to food, water, and restrooms. Face coverings are required. 

Weather Tools

• Download the CBS13 Weather App and get access to live, interactive radar
• Visit the CBS13 Weather Center for radar images, 7-day totals, the latest video forecast, and more.
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