Expect dangerous driving conditions in the coming days. Temperatures are expected to remain low as a storm moves in, and possibly drops snow in the valley.
Snow in Redding sounds like a pre-Christmas miracle, but it has potential to cause serious problems as inexperienced drivers hit the snowy roads.
Snow blanketing the ground is a popular sight in high elevation areas like Dunsmuir, but by mid-day Thursday, Redding could be covered in snow.
“Usually we will get snow once a year, once every 3 years. i think the last time we had real big snow was about 2003,” said Randy Campbell with the Redding Streets Department as he tying up loose ends Wednesday, reviewing maps and preparing snow plows in advance of the coming storm.
“As the snow starts to slow down, we start working into the residential areas and try to get those opened up. but our main concern is our arterials and collector streets,” said Campbell.
If snow does in fact fall in Redding, plowing priority will be given to streets like Cypress, Hilltop, and Lake Boulevard.
But if your plans have you traveling out of town, ”There is a possibility that Interstate 5 will close at Fawndale or points farther up the road, depending on conditions,” said Officer Mark Redding of the California Highway Patrol.
Slippery conditions generally lead to accidents up I-5, but Cal-Trans is already prepping their over 60 plows.
“We have all the sand houses full with our abrasives and our salt an our anti-icers and we are staffed up for 24/7 operations,” said Michael Farrar with Cal Trans
Chain controls are likely in higher elevations but you'll need to slow down for the conditions.
“You don’t want to be traveling any faster than 25 when you have chains on, you’ll damage your vehicle,” said Farrar.
“I can’t emphasize that enough. Slow down. The speed limit may be 65 on interstate 5, that does not make it a safe speed,” said Redding.
This storm comes at an inopportune time, many people will be traveling for work, Christmas shopping and the holidays. Officials say, if you can, please avoid the slick roads.
