The National Weather Service is forecasting significant rain and winter weather for the Northern California area, starting Sunday and lasting through the majority of next week.
Snow levels are currently forecast to start around 4,000 to 5,000 feet on Sunday and drop to 3,000 feet or possibly lower by earlier in the week.
Motorists should plan for chain controls in higher elevations and are advised to check weather and roadway conditions prior to and during breaks in travel. Motorists should also follow roadway conditions for the possibility of slides, flooding, and other storm-related hazards.
Higher elevation travel is discouraged during inclement winter weather. Motorists who must travel into higher elevations must carry chains, be prepared for winter driving conditions, expect delays and possible closures, and follow instructions of Caltrans personnel and law enforcement.
Motorists who do not comply with chain controls endanger their own safety and the safety of other motorists around them, along with jeopardizing maintenance operations to keep routes open and safe during storms. Truck and/or vehicle screening is anticipated for northbound Interstate 5 traffic at Fawndale Road, approximately 10 miles north of Redding, prior to or during the weather systems.
Significant rain is also forecast during these storms for valley and lower elevation areas. Travelers should monitor the possibility of flooding in low-lying areas and near waterways. Motorists are also reminded to be cognizant when traveling in burn scar areas and to note areas of historical flooding activity.
As always, motorists are urged to slow down and drive carefully around Caltrans, CHP and other personnel working on the roadways during inclement weather. Travelers should not use non-highway alternative routes during highway closures as these routes may not be maintained or open during winter weather events and may have size restrictions for larger vehicles.
Updated conditions
24/7 updated highway conditions are available via QuickMap (also available by free app for smartphones) and One-Stop-Shop (Western U.S.). Motorists can also follow Caltrans District 2 on our X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook pages for important traffic updates.
