Nevada governor declares state of emergency due to snowfall on Tahoe roadways

Only essential traveling is permitted at this time on Highway 50.
Only essential traveling is permitted at this time on Highway 50. Photo credit Caltrans District 3 Twitter

In response to recent record snowfall, Nevada's Governor Steve Sisolak has declared a State of Emergency in the Tahoe region.

Just after 8 p.m., the governor specifically cited roadways to be included in the State of Emergency: "Highway 50, Highway 207 (Kingsbury Grade) and Highway 28 are experiencing delays, dangerous road conditions and an oncoming storm," according to a Twitter post.

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The snow has increased traffic and safety risks, and now after the governor's declaration, the Nevada Department of Transportation and Nevada State Police can turn drivers away.

"The Emergency will allow officials to order cars to head back into the valley until conditions subside and the roadways are safe. This will help prevent motorists from becoming stranded, potentially running out of gas in subfreezing temperatures without emergency services," the governor wrote in a tweet.

Emergency personnel need to be able to clear the roadways safely and prepare for snow removal, according to the governor's tweet.

After being closed for several days, Interstate 80 eastbound and westbound reopened on Tuesday night but only for passenger cars and essential truck traffic only, according to a tweet posted by the California Highway Patrol Truckee department.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Caltrans District 3 Twitter