Severe weather is making travel through the Sierra inadvisable, with chains required on I-80 for cars while the road is closed to semis.
The Nevada Department of Transportation is reporting that chains are required from Truckee to Emigrant Gap.
Meanwhile, Caltrans is reporting that I-80 is closed from Applegate to the Nevada state line to all semis.
Outside of I-80 chains are required on multiple roads leading to and around Lake Tahoe.
With conditions so treacherous, here are some tips to keep in mind if you need to drive in winter weather.
DRIVING TIPS
* Only travel in winter weather when necessary, leave enough time to safely reach your destination and plan your route to help avoid snowy/icy areas and steep hills.
* Before driving, check weather and road conditions by dialing 511 within Nevada (or 1-877-NV-ROADS outside of Nevada) or logging on to nvroads.com
* Share your travel itinerary so others know when to expect you.
* Remove snow and ice from all vehicle windows, mirrors, lights, turn signals and license plates.
* Buckle up.
* Turn on headlights to see and be seen.
* Do not rely solely on GPS to find alternate routes, as it could lead to unmaintained roadways or hazardous areas.
* Turn off cruise control.
* Avoid quick starts, stops and fast turns. Accelerate, brake and steer smoothly and gradually.
* Reduce speed. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions.
* Do not slam on brakes. Apply steady pressure on ABS-equipped (antilock braking system) vehicles and pump the brakes if necessary on non-ABS vehicles.
* Always comply with all posted traction device requirements.
* If your vehicle has snow tires, install and use them between October 1 and April 30.
* Keep additional distance from other vehicles.
* Watch carefully for snow removal equipment.
* Do not pass without good distance and sight clearance.
* Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses and shaded areas- they may freeze first.
* Maintain a high fuel level.
* If vehicle begins to skid, steer in direction of slide and slowly remove foot from accelerator.
* Be aware of black ice.
* If parked or stuck in snow, leave window slightly cracked for ventilation and make sure vehicle exhaust system is clear of snow.
