Winter grips Sierra, western Nevada

Tuesday, March 9, 1999 | 11:46 a.m.

Interstate 80 over Donner Summit was closed for several hours early in the day because of heavy snow and blustery winds that made for near zero visibility.

The road was reopened by midmorning, though chains or snow tires were required.

U.S. 50 in California over Echo Summit was also shut down.

Chains or snow tires were required on all other mountain passes, including the Mount Rose Highway, Geiger Grade to Virginia City and Kingsbury Grade in Douglas County.

A winter storm warning was in effect for Lake Tahoe and the Sierra until noon. About a foot of snow fell at Donner Summit since midnight. The National Weather Service predicted another 5-10 inches could fall before the snow tapered off later in the day.

The snow also made for treacherous driving conditions during the morning commute in the Reno-Carson City area, where anywhere from 1-4 inches fell overnight.

Authorities responded to numerous fender benders and spinouts, but no major accidents were reported.

By midmorning, the sun broke through the storm clouds over the valleys of western Nevada and the roads were clear.