SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Update: 5:25 p.m.
The northbound lanes of Interstate 5 have reopened heading from Redding, California, all the way to the Oregon border.
California transportation officials said Wednesday the freeway was clear and no chains are required.
I-5 was closed in both directions near the California-Oregon border Tuesday, stranding hundreds of people.
The southbound lanes reopened at Ashland, Oregon early Wednesday.
Don Anderson, deputy director of the California Department of Transportation in Redding, says Caltrans and many other agencies worked hard to communicate the seriousness of the storm but that many drivers were still caught by surprise.
Update 2:56 p.m.
A California transportation official says a major highway connecting California to Oregon that was closed after cars and trucks spun out during a major storm will fully open later Wednesday.
Interstate 5 was closed in both directions near the California-Oregon border Tuesday, stranding hundreds of people. The southbound lanes reopened at Ashland, Oregon early Wednesday.
Don Anderson, deputy director of the California Department of Transportation in Redding, says northbound lanes will reopen late Wednesday afternoon.
Anderson says Caltrans and many other agencies worked hard to communicate the seriousness of the storm but that many drivers were still caught by surprise.
Original
A strong winter storm that barreled through Northern California Tuesday bringing with it heavy rain, snow and strong winds is now calming down in the Valley and ramping up in the Sierra just in time for Thanksgiving Day.
On Tuesday, sustained winds reached 20 to 30 mph with gusts around 50 mph, knocking down tree limbs and causing power outages in some areas.
As of 6:00 am Wednesday, a Wind Advisory was lifted as winds slowed to 10 to 15 mph, but Winter Weather Advisories and Warnings are in effect throughout the day.
Snow totals as of 6:00 am Wednesday came in around one foot to nearly 2 feet within a 24 hour period. Upwards of 1 1/2 feet of snow is possible for Wednesday as totals may be higher. Snow levels remain around 1,500-2,000 feet Wednesday but are on the rise.
Ski resorts are rejoicing as they see their first foot of natural snow.
Travelers headed to the Sierra for Thanksgiving may want to hold off until Thursday when road conditions improve because of snow accumulation and Caltrans upkeep.
Thanksgiving day will see remnants of possible showers and thunderstorm chances but will be partly sunny. Weather will improve for the better in the valley and foothills, but snow showers will remain light through the Sierra.
RELATED: Tahoe Traffic: Live map
Heavy rain battered Northern California. Rain totals varied from a third of an inch in Sacramento, to almost an inch of rain near Santa Rosa.
As the storm moves further out, scattered shower chances will decrease, leading to the chance of thunderstorms. With cold air arriving to a warm valley blanketed by the clouds overnight, unstable weather will take place, leading to moments of heavy downpours with hail and thunder.
Friday, many travelers first day back on the road, is expected to be a nice day across Northern California, though it will still be cold. Another major winter storm will arrive Saturday afternoon and is expected to last through Monday.
READ MORE:
FOR NEWS IN YOUR COMMUNITY, DOWNLOAD THE ABC10 APP:
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for ABC10's Daily Blend Newsletter