Multiple accidents bring I-80 to standstill

Wrecks litter Interstate 80 on Sept. 12. Photo Copyright 2017 Carolyn E. Wright

Motorists going west on Interstate 80 this afternoon in the Sierra are not moving because of multiple accidents.

Hail and heavy rain have caused numerous vehicles to spin out, including a big-rig that jackknifed at Cisco Grove at about 1pm Sept. 12.

Westbound I-80 is closed at Rainbow because of a crash. Crews are hoping it will be reopened just after 3pm.

According the California Highway Patrol, the hail storm in the Gold Run area led to the collisions. It is not known if there is just property damage or when the entire stretch of highway will be open.

Thunderstorms are in the forecast for this area as well as the entire Tahoe-Truckee region for the rest of Tuesday.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report