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First strong storm of season strikes the Sierra

David Bunker
Sierra Sun
Photo by David Bunker/Sierra SunWestbound Interstate 80 in Truckee was at a standstill Monday afternoon due to heavy snow and chain controls.
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A steady Sierra snow storm blanketed Truckee in white Monday, causing numerous spinouts and minor collisions across area roadways.

The Sierra’s first significant, moisture-laden storm is expected to drop snow and rain on the area until Wednesday morning, according to John Bonk, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Reno.

Snow depths could reach two feet for elevations over 7,000 feet by Wednesday, said Bonk.



After a short period of clearing on Wednesday, a new storm is scheduled to bring rain and a couple inches of snow to higher elevations on Thursday, Bonk said.

The winter weather caused nearly a dozen collisions and spinouts in the area on Monday, according to the California Highway Patrol. And the westbound lanes of Interstate 80 were at a standstill much of the afternoon because of the moderate snow and mandatory chain controls. All major highways, besides Highway 89 south, had chain controls through Monday afternoon.



The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the area until 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Moderate and heavy snow on Monday night is expected to change to rain by Tuesday morning, Bonk said. Snow levels are expected to rise to between 6,500 and 7,000 feet on Tuesday.


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