SOUTH LAKE TAHOE (KRON) — Drivers headed to Lake Tahoe Tuesday were stuck in gridlock thanks to a storm that is dumping fresh snow across the Sierra.
At 3 p.m., Interstate 80 was closed in both directions between Truckee and Alta.
Caltrans fully reopened I-80 at around 5:20 p.m.
Chain controls are in effect on Highway 50 from Twin Bridges to Meyers and Interstate 80 from Truckee to Alta.
If you were planning on driving to Lake Tahoe for Thanksgiving and haven’t left yet — authorities say you’re too late.
Caltrans says it’s best to wait out the storm. They’re asking drivers to not travel until Thanksgiving day.
Conditions are expected to get much worse later this afternoon making travel nearly impossible Tuesday night.
“Well, you can forget the winter storm warning — the winter storm is here,” said California Highway Patrol Officer Pete Mann. “Things are busy and it’s snowing hard.”
Officer Mann said they’re dealing with at least 16 difference collisions across the summit.
Snow is beginning to stick to roads above 2,500 feet, according to the National Weather Service.
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