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First Alert Weather: Valley rain, Sierra snow move through Saturday

Saturday evening weather forecast - Jan. 13, 2024

A storm moving through Northern California on Saturday is expected to bring widespread rain and heavy mountain snow. Southerly winds will develop, especially in the afternoon and evening hours. The strongest winds are expected to be in the northern and central Sacramento Valley and in the mountains. 

The National Weather Service said heavy mountain snow will continue through 4 a.m. Sunday, creating difficult driving conditions. 

Interstate 80 and Highway 50 could see 1" to 2" of snow per hour Saturday afternoon and into the evening. 

Check below for the latest conditions.

 

Snow report

The Sierra saw anywhere from 2" to 17" from Saturday's storm. Palisades Tahoe got 17", Boreal got 14" and Kirkwood got 11".

By Brandon Downs
 

Chains lifted

Chains were lifted over Donner Summit on Interstate 80 around 7:20 a.m. Sunday. 

Highway 50 and Highway 267 are also without chain controls.

By Brandon Downs
 

Chain controls expand

On Interstate 80, chain controls are in place from Kingvale to Truckee for eastbound traffic. Those heading west will need chains from Truckee to about five miles east of Kingvale. 

On Highway 50, chain controls are in place from three miles east of Kyburz to Meyers. 

By Brandon Downs
 

Chains return to Highway 50

Chain controls have returned to Highway 50 from Twin Bridges to Meyers, according to Caltrans' website. 

By Brandon Downs
 

Chains are back on I-80

After dropping chain requirements on Interstate 80 over Donner Summit, the CHP said they are back for westbound travelers from Donner Lake Interchange to Rainbow. 

For people heading east, chains are required from Kingvale to the Donner Lake Interchange. 

Highway 267 also has chain requirements from Northstar to Kings Beach. 

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By Brandon Downs
 

Interstate 80

Chain controls have been lifted on Interstate 80 over Donner Summit.

More snow and wind are on the way, with the possibility of whiteout conditions across the passes. 

By Brandon Downs
 

Cold front moving in

The valley is seeing a break from the rain Saturday afternoon, but more rain and snow are in the future.

By Brandon Downs
 

Highway 50 update

Sometime before 3:45 p.m., Caltrans lifted chain controls on Highway 50.

By Brandon Downs
 

Chain controls

As of 3 p.m., chain controls are in place for people driving east on all vehicles except 4-wheel drive vehicles with snow tires on all wheels on Interstate 80. This is from Kingvale to Donner Lake Interchange, according to Caltrans. 

For people traveling west on I-80, chains are also required on all vehicles except 4-wheel drive vehicles with snow tires on all wheels. This is from Donner Lake Interchange to Kingvale.

As for people traveling on Highway 50, chains are required on all vehicles except 4-wheel drive vehicles with snow tires on all wheels from Twin Bridges to Meyers. 

By Brandon Downs
 

Wind Advisory

A Wind Advisory is in effect from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. east of the Interstate 5 corridor. The NWS said gusts could reach 50 mph.   

By Brandon Downs
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