Winter storm prompts transportation officials to advise against travel

There is a lot of snow on the Carson Valley roads today.
Photo by Kurt Hildebrand.

State transportation officials are advising drivers to stay off the road during the winter storms that are bringing Sierra cement to the valleys of western Nevada.

“The snow and mud that has fallen on the roads throughout the day has led to reduced traction,” state transportation spokeswoman Meg Ragonese said at 2 p.m. roadway. In addition to dangerous driving conditions, there may be an increase in handicapped drivers following New Year’s Eve celebrations. ”

In Genoa, a passerby tried to tow a sedan out of a ditch near the post office.

It’s been snowing in Genova since about 9:30 am and it’s snowing all over the valley.

At around 2:30pm, the semi-stuck at Kingsbury cleared and is now open for vehicles with chains or 4×4 and snow tires. Similar conditions can be expected for routes through mountains.

Snow tires or chains are required on Highway 395 from Carson City to Bridgeport. Highway 88 has border-like conditions and requires chains or 4×4 and snow tires from Mud Lake Road to Mormon Emigrant Trail.

Highway 50 is closed from Myers to Pollock Pines, but Interstate 80 has reopened.

“NDOT is dedicated to keeping our highways safe for drivers by prioritizing snow removal from major thoroughfares such as interstates first,” said Ragonese. “Municipalities are responsible for removing snow from city and county roads. Like many public and private employers, NDOT faces a shortage of highway maintenance workers.”