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Mountain travel not advised as snow falls in Northern California | Updates

Heavy rain and snow hit Northern California for the second storm of November in the region.

CALIFORNIA, USA — Winter weather is back as rain and snow arrive in Northern California through Wednesday this week.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Sierra as a significant winter storm moves into the region. It's the second significant storm this month for California.

Travel is not advised through Wednesday morning over the Sierra passes. Travel may not even be possible due to the amount of snow and strong wind gusts upwards of 50 mph, which could create near-white-out conditions.

Chain or snow tire requirements are in effect for major highways in the Sierra Nevada, according to the National Weather Service.

Rain is expected in the valley. Areas to the west of I-5 could see up to an inch of rain, while areas east of I-5 could see one to two inches of rain. Rain totals could get as high as three to four inches in the Foothills.

RELATED: Storm Watch: How rain, snow will affect your commute in Northern California

Road Conditions

Snow in the mountains Tuesday and Wednesday could impact commute times as roads are slick. Drivers on I-80 or US-50 should be prepared for chain controls in the Sierra. Drivers on I-5 and in the valley should increase the following distance and reduce speeds to account for the rain.

  • I-80 westbound is R2 from the Nevada State line to Alta
  • I-80 eastbound is R2 from Drum Forebay to the Nevada State line
  • Chain checkpoint for EB Highway 50 down to Sand Flat and WB in Meyers.
  • SR-89 is R1 from Tahoe City to Truckee
  • SR-267 is R2 from Northstar to Kings Beach
  • SR-28 is R2 from Tahoe City to Kings Beach

R2: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels.

R1: Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on at least two drive wheels. Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle. Trailers with brakes must have chains on at least one axle.

Find a traffic map HERE. See the latest road conditions and chain controls HERE.

School Closures 

Tahoe Truckee Unified School District

All schools in the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District are closed Tuesday for a snow day. This includes extra-curricular activities.

"This decision was made due to high confidence of heavy snowfall throughout the day with potential visibility issues, creating a hazardous driving situation for our buses, families, and staff," the district wrote in a statement.

Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified School District

All Loyalton schools are closed Tuesday for a snow day. This includes all school activities. 

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ACCOUNTS TO FOLLOW:

RELATED: 

Watch more on ABC10: Northern California Storm: Winter weather coincides with Election Day

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