'Winter Storm Warning;' Heavy Snow Expected In Truckee From Saturday Evening Through Tuesday Evening
TRUCKEE (CBS13) — A winter storm warning is in effect, with heavy snowfall expected in Truckee from Saturday evening through Tuesday night, said the National Weather Service.
A total snowfall of one to four feet of snow is expected, with three to six feet expected in altitudes above 7,000 feet.
Additionally, Sierra ridge winds could exceed 100 mph with gusts up to 50 mph in lower elevations.
With this warning in effect, experts advise travelers to be careful and even recommend avoiding travel if possible.
"If you don't have to come this way, it would be better, or if you could just hold off a couple days, it's a better idea than to try to do it tomorrow or maybe the next day," said Officer Chris Nave with the California Highway Patrol.
If you plan to travel through the Sierras, it's important to prepare an emergency kit for your home or car. Carry tire chains, extra food, water, and clothing. Driving slowly and carefully is also important because of the conditions of this particular storm.
"[CHP has] been working with CalTrans and county roads to make sure we have every available option open. We have all the equipment ready. We've got guys that are prepared. We've got added units for control to do the best we can to keep everything open," said Nave.
With recent storms, landslides were less likely because the earth was relatively dry, however, now that we've seen several storms in the past few months, this storm could cause more significant environmental problems, like mudslides or avalanches.
Travelers out on roads Saturday night, ahead of the storm, were optimistic about what snow means for the area but prepared.
"I think its anxiety around it because people aren't as comfortable being up here and driving in it all the time," said Robert Amatelli, an AirBnb owner.
Amatelli added that customers tried to cancel their AirBnb reservation with him Saturday concerned about the conditions into the weekend due to weather.
Other travelers turned a weekend trip into a day-trip to the snow.
"Since I heard there's a storm coming, that's why we're actually going back," said Heidi Castillo.
The National Weather Service says that once the storm hits, travel may be impossible for several days.
However, if you must drive, make sure to drive slowly and plan extra time for safety.
