South Lake Tahoe, CA- Another approaching winter storm has the potential to create travel issues over the holiday weekend. The National Weather Service says the storm has the potential to impact South Lake Tahoe Sunday morning into Monday. With the holiday weekend already here, the city is urging drivers to be cautious and make smart decisions before you get on the road. For the latest on weather conditions, click here.
CalTrans issuing a warning tonight saying, "Motorists should anticipate delays and longer travel time due to increased holiday traffic and inclement weather conditions. Chain controls on Interstate 80 over Donner Summit, on U.S. Highway 50 over Echo Summit and on other Sierra mountain roadways should be anticipated Sunday through Monday. Caltrans permitted and trained chain installers on I-80 can be identified by a reflective sign with their bib number. Chain installers are not permitted to sell chains. Motorists must carry chains or other legally approved traction devices." For CalTrans's complete update, click here.
Snow could move to lake level as early as Sunday afternoon and drivers should anticipate delays and increased travel time as a result. To check road conditions in real-time, click here. The city encourages anyone who gets out on the road this weekend to drive smart and drive safe.
“Snow Safe” suggestions when snow conditions exist:
- City snow plows are deployed when an average of three (3) inches of snow have fallen (accumulated) on the ground citywide. When snow conditions, snow plows have the right of way on streets and vehicles left unattended in the streets are subject to citation and/or tow. The best policy is to keep your vehicle(s) parked off the streets at all times.
- Cars subject to citation and/or tow are those parked in the street right-of-way. The City right-of-way extends beyond the edge of the pavement to the property line, generally 5 to 10 feet beyond the edge of the pavement.
- The primary purpose of snow removal is to clear snow from streets for emergency vehicles, school buses, hospital entry, refuse trucks and all vehicle traffic.
- The City is asking that you keep all trash containers behind the berm, on your property. Improper placement of trash containers can result in damaged containers and/or snow removal equipment. This affects the level of service we are able to provide to the community.
- When shoveling snow from your driveway, shovel to the right as you face the street. This way, the plow will move the snow further down the road, rather than move the shoveled snow back into your driveway.
- Child Safety-please keep children indoors while snow removal operations are underway.
- Pedestrian Safety-Don't watch snow removal operations from the edge of the road.
- Back Off - Keep a safe distance (40+ feet) when driving/standing behind snow removal equipment.
- Slow Down! - The maximum speed when chain controls are in effect is 25 mph.
As a reminder, we ask the community to not park on the streets during snow removal. Please remove all trashcans, mailboxes, vehicles, etc. from city right of way to prohibit equipment damage to the blowers.