The California Department of Transportation District 2 reports that the National Weather Service is forecasting rain, wind and winter weather for the Northern California area starting Wednesday and lasting through the weekend. Snow levels are currently forecast to start around 4,000 – 5,000 feet on Wednesday and continuing to lower throughout the week. Motorists should plan for chain controls at higher elevations and are advised to check weather and roadway conditions prior to and during breaks in travel. Motorists should also follow roadway conditions for the possibility of slides, flooding and other storm-related hazards.
Higher elevation travel is discouraged during inclement winter weather, says Caltrans. Motorists who must travel into higher elevations must carry chains, be prepared for winter driving conditions, expect delays and possible closures, and follow instructions of Caltrans personnel and law enforcement. Motorists who do not comply with chain controls endanger their own safety and the safety of other motorists around them, along with jeopardizing vital maintenance operations to keep routes open and safe during storms, says Caltrans.
Motorists are reminded to be cognizant when traveling in recent burn scar areas and to slow down and drive carefully during inclement weather. Travelers should not use nonhighway alternative routes during highway closures as these routes may not be maintained or open during winter weather events and may have size restrictions for larger vehicles.
24/7 updated highway conditions are available via QuickMap — also available by free app for smartphones — and One-Stop-Shop. Motorists can also follow Caltrans District 2 on social media. Caltrans also shares the following resources:
- District 2 winter weather driving tips video
- Winter weather driving tips
- National Weather Service
- California Highway Patrol traction control devices
Information provided by California Department of Transportation District 2