Snow in the Sierra shuts down I-80 traffic

Snow and ice in the Sierra set off road closures in both directions of Interstate 80 in Placer County Friday afternoon as officials said cars lost control and started spinning out on the slippery road.

The California Department of Transportation issued an advisory at 4:20 p.m. asking motorists in the area one mile east of Baxter to use alternate routes due to hazardous weather conditions.

Ice and snow caused multiple spin outs, prompting officials to close sections of the highway until plows and tow trucks could clear the road, said CHP Sgt. Norman Vandermeyde.

Bob Benjamin, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Reno said the Sierra should expect light snow showers to continue into Sunday.