Date:             February 2, 2024 #24-010
District:        District 3 - Marysville, www.dot.ca.gov/d3/
                      Dave Moore, Interim District Director                       
Contact:       Jeremy Linder jeremy.linder@dot.ca.gov
Phone:         (530) 701-5209
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Travel Impacts Expected With Next Winter Storm
Up to Four Feet of Snow in the Sierra and Three Inches of Rain in the Valley
MARYSVILLE – Caltrans is alerting motorists about an impactful winter storm in the Sacramento Valley and the Sierra Nevada that will create challenging travel conditions next week.
 
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning from Sunday, February 4 at 4 a.m. through Tuesday, February 6 at 4 a.m. The forecast calls for 2 to 4 feet of snow and 5 to 6 feet at the highest mountain peaks. Motorists should be prepared for chain controls, reduced visibility, additional travel times and delays.
 
Forecasters advise to avoid mountain travel during this period if possible. If motorists must travel, Caltrans advises to pack extra supplies including snacks, water, a blanket, and a flashlight.
In the Sacramento Valley, rain amounts are forecast between 2 and 3 inches, with the highest amounts anticipated in the foothills. A Flood Watch has been issued through Tuesday, February 6 at 4 a.m. Motorists should be prepared for slick roadways and longer than normal commute times, along with ponding and minor flooding in poor drainage areas.
 
In the southern Sacramento Valley, motorists may also experience strong southeast winds between 25 and 35 mph with gusts 40 to 50 mph. The strongest winds are expected south of Interstate80, where a Wind Advisory has been issued through Sunday, February 4 at 10 p.m.
Motorists are encouraged to check Caltrans’ QuickMap before traveling for current road conditions and chain requirements or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play. Road information is also available on Caltrans’ website or by calling the California Highway Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).
 
Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. The department will issue updates on X @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook CaltransDistrict3.