Major winter storm aiming for central, eastern US

If they’re able to run at all, truckers could hit a doozy of a winter storm over the next several days as it carves a path across the eastern U.S.

Related: Chaining up: 4 pro tips for truckers

The storm will start in southern Canada, dumping 5 to 10 inches of snow in parts of the U.S. northern Plains and Midwest from late Thursday through Friday. This swath of snow will stretch more than 650 miles from northern North Dakota to northern Missouri.

Widespread blowing or drifting snow isn’t likely in...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/major-winter-storm-aiming-for-central-eastern-us

Quick-hitting snowstorm headed to Midwest

Truckers will hit moderate to heavy snow across parts of the Plains and Midwest later this week. It will be a fairly short-lived storm, likely beginning very early Friday, then fading Friday night.

Related: Chaining up: 4 pro tips for truckers

While most of the snow will spread across lower populated areas, it will impact sections of several major interstates including I-70, I-80, I-90 and I-94. As a result, some transportation slowdowns and minor supply chain disruptions are possible.

The...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/quick-hitting-snowstorm-headed-to-midwest

51-year Sierra snowfall record shattered

With less than a week remaining in 2021, part of the Lake Tahoe region broke its record for December snowfall set 51 years ago.

Related: Chaining up: 4 pro tips for truckers

On Monday, the December snow total at the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab (CSSL) reached 16.5 feet, smashing the 1970 record of 15 feet. Additional snowfall this week brought the December total to 17.5 feet by Wednesday morning.

A new October-December record of 22 feet has also been set, breaking the previous record of...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/51-year-sierra-snowfall-record-shattered

At least 3 injured in Nevada pileup during blizzard

With drivers reporting whiteout conditions, up to 20 cars were involved in a crash in northwestern Nevada Sunday morning, according to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.

Related: Chaining up: 4 pro tips for truckers

Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue, which responded to the pileup, said at least three people were taken to the hospital in unknown condition.

“Conditions are extreme in the Washoe Valley with 50 mph winds and whiteout conditions,” the department said in a post to Twitter.

⚠#TMFR crews...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/at-least-3-injured-in-nevada-pileup-during-blizzard

Stormy Christmas week ahead for truckers out West

As much as 10 feet of snow could pile up in parts of the Mountain West by the end of Christmas weekend, making roads treacherous for travel.

Here are some photos from Caltrans webcams at Soda Springs taken around 5 am. Use caution if you must drive in the mountains today. For current road conditions across the area go to https://t.co/6jnhwJNN7a #CAwx @CaltransDist3 pic.twitter.com/bJeVOaWSey

— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) December 22, 2021

Truckers making last-minute deliveries and trying...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/stormy-christmas-week-ahead-for-truckers-out-west

Where will truckers see a white Christmas?

For truckers who are dreaming of a white Christmas — defined by the National Weather Service as having at least 1 inch of snow on the ground the morning of Dec. 25 — the chances are good in some parts of the country this year. Before getting into the forecast, however, let’s look at historical chances across the country.

Related: Chaining up: 4 pro tips for truckers

Based on average Christmas snow amounts from 1991 to 2020, most white Christmases in recent decades have been in the Mountain...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/where-will-truckers-see-a-white-christmas

Storms out west could snarl last-minute Christmas shipments

Cars and trucks stopped on a snow Sierra Nevada highway.

Several storm systems will be tracking into the West Coast this week and over the upcoming Christmas weekend, producing moderate to heavy snow and rain beginning Wednesday.

Related: A look back: 6 impactful weather events in 2021 transportation

The storms will primarily impact the Cascades in southern Oregon and northern California, as well as the Sierra Nevada in eastern California. However, travel could also become hazardous across the Rockies at times. Carriers, shippers and customers should...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/storms-out-west-could-snarl-last-minute-christmas-shipments

Chaining up: 4 pro tips for truckers

Steep mountain roads and winter weather conditions can make truck driving and installing chains a challenge. But putting chains on a truck’s tires can make the difference between getting stuck on the side of the road and making a pickup or delivery on time. These are some tips, based on driver blogs, that can help drivers chain up as safely and quickly as possible.

Law school

Certain states require commercial truck drivers to carry chains during certain times of the year, even if the weather is...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/chaining-up-4-pro-tips-for-truckers

Hot Shots: Tropical snow, shaky landing, late-season tornadoes

Every Friday, FreightWaves takes a look at the past week or so in social media, highlighting images in trucking, transportation and weather. This week features heavy mountain snow in Hawaii, a descending airplane battling crosswinds and two late-season Southern tornadoes.

Trouble in paradise

Earlier this week, a strong storm dumped an estimated 6 to 10 inches of snow in the summits of the Big Island. This isn’t unusual, as many mountains in the Aloha State remain snowcapped most of the year. What...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/hot-shots-tropical-snow-shaky-landing-late-season-tornadoes