Sierra storms to bring lots of snow & traffic

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (KTVU) - Snow-seekers headed to the Sierra for the holiday weekend can expect several feet of new snow, but also some potentially slow and hazardous driving conditions.

Numbers are still being compiled for Thursday night’s storm but KTVU meteorologist Steve Paulson projects at least 6-12 inches of fresh snow.

However, the next big system hitting the area on Sunday night and Monday morning could bring several feet of snow to the Sierra.

Thursday night’s storm led to some slow driving conditions as Caltrans crews worked to clear the roads.

Snow plows weren’t enough to get all the snow off the roads so crew brought in industrial snow blowers.

“The snow is very slick and wet. It’s warmer and as a result it’s a lot slicker, “ said on Caltrans worker.

As of Friday morning at 5:30am, chain requirements were in place for both Interstate 80 and Highway 50.

The California Highway Patrol is reminding drivers to give themselves extra time to get to where you need to go and to slow down.

According to KTVU Traffic anchor Sal Castaneda, drivers headed to the mountains should leave in the afternoon; That’s after the latest weather has cleared, but before the next storm moves in Friday evening.

Friday’s storm will be a warmer system, and won’t bring much snow below 6,500 feet.

The system hitting Sunday night and Monday morning could bring several feet of snow back down to elevation at the mountain passes.

That could mean big driving problems for people headed home from the holiday weekend.

The best plan according to Sal Castaneda is to wait to drive home from the Sierra on Monday night or make it a 4-day weekend (if you can).

Heading to the mountains?  Click here for your Tahoe snow report