The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is reminding motorists about a series of winter storms in the Sacramento Valley and the Sierra Nevada that will create challenging travel conditions through the President’s Day holiday weekend.
The National Weather Service forecast calls for two additional waves of precipitation bringing rain, snow and gusty winds. The first wave is expected Saturday with the second stronger wave arriving during the evening on Sunday. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 10:00 a.m. Saturday through 4:00 a.m. Sunday with 4 to 8 inches of snow expected above 6,000 feet.
Motorists should be prepared for chain controls, reduced visibility, additional travel times and delays. Caltrans advises to pack extra supplies in the event of an emergency or if traffic is held for an extended period of time. Those supplies should include extra snacks, water, a blanket and a flashlight.
A Winter Storm Warning has also been issued for the second wave and is in effect from 4:00 p.m. Sunday through 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 21 with 1 to 2 feet of snow expected above 5,500 feet, 3 to 4 feet at the highest peaks, and wind gusts up to 55 mph.
In the Sacramento Valley, rain amounts are forecast between 0.5 and 1 inch for the first wave and an additional 2 to 3 inches for the second wave. The highest amounts are anticipated in the foothills with up to 4 inches near Auburn. Motorists should be prepared for ponding on the roadway and minor flooding in poor drainage areas.
What’s happening on Interstate 5 RIGHT NOW! I-5 Real-time traffic information for selected cities along I-5. Maps show updates on road construction, traffic accidents, travel delays and the latest traffic speeds. Traffic cameras show congestion at a glance. Visit I-5 Traffic.
The I-5 Exit Guide is the Internet’s largest and most complete website dedicated to Interstate 5 travelers. Find detailed exit service listings… lodging, camping, food, gas and more for every exit from Washington to California!
On the road? Why not take us with you. The I-5 Exit Guide is mobile-friendly and totally FREE. No App Required.
Traveling another route? Visit our growing family of exit guides:  I-4 Exit Guide, I-5 Exit Guide, I-10 Exit Guide, I-75 Exit Guide, I-80 Exit Guide and I-95 Exit Guide. Detailed exit service listings… discount lodging, camping, food, gas and more for every exit along the way!
