1,400 PG&E Customers Lose Power Near I-80 Amid Sierra Snowstorm

SODA SPRINGS, Calif. — About 1,400 Pacific Gas and Electric Co. customers lost power Tuesday in parts of Placer and Nevada counties near Interstate 80, as heavy snow and strong winds swept through the Sierra Nevada region.

The outage began at 11:26 a.m. in the area of Norden and Soda Springs, according to PG&E. The utility company said it is investigating the cause, which remains unidentified as of Tuesday afternoon.

The power disruption comes amid severe weather conditions, including steady rain, heavy snowfall, and strong wind gusts, which have prompted the KCRA 3 weather team to issue an Alert Day warning. The hazardous conditions have increased the risk of travel delays, vehicle spinouts, and major traffic impacts.

“Ponding is possible, and Sierra snow could lead to vehicle spinouts and major traffic impacts,” the weather team warned. Drivers are advised to exercise caution and monitor live updates on travel conditions.

PG&E has not provided an estimated restoration time for the affected customers. The utility company encouraged residents to check its outage map for real-time updates.

Residents in the area are bracing for continued challenges as the storm persists, with forecasts predicting additional snowfall and gusty winds throughout the day.