Heavy Rain In Sierra Expected To Turn Into Snow Before Taking Colder Turn

TRUCKEE (CBS13) — The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Truckee River near Truckee, saying water levels will rise at least a foot above the flood stage.

Thursday also brought some snow to the area, prompting chain controls.

Heavy rain swept across roadways and caused major swelling in the Yuba and Truckee rivers.

"This is really nothing yet," said Jane Millholen.

Jane Millholen and her husband Bill have lived across from the Truckee River for almost 40 years. Thursday's storm wasn't a big deal for the couple.

"We have a deck in our yard and since we've been here, the water has come up two-inches below the deck."

"These places have been here a long time so I'm not worried about the structures," said Artie Whitfield.

Whitfield wasn't concerned about the rising waters, but he was worried about the lack of snow.

"We are used to seeing more snow but we are getting an unusual amount of rain this year," said CHP Officer Chris Nave.

Officer Nave says the heavy rain caused several spinouts in the Sierra Thursday.

The roadways quickly went from being slick to being covered with snow, prompting chain controls along Highway 89 and Imterstate 80.

It's being called one of the strongest storms of the year with a potential to wreak havoc.

"You have to slow down. The laws of physics say that when the roads are wet, you can't stop as easily as you can when it's dry," added Nave.

Temperatures will continue to drop into the weekend, making for a treacherous drive for anyone heading up to the Sierra.

Caltrans and CHP are both warning drivers to slow down this weekend, to avoid getting into an accident.