Caltrans is alerting motorists to be prepared for winter driving conditions Sunday through Tuesday with the arrival of cold winter temperatures for the Northern California area.

The National Weather Service has forecast significant drops in both day and nighttime temperatures, with mountain temps down to single digits. The cold weather system is expected to arrive Sunday morning and continue through Tuesday night. While snow accumulations over the passes Sunday evening and Monday morning are not expected to be significant (2-4 inches), the severe cold will create very slick and icy conditions for mountain roadways.

Strong winds are also forecast throughout the area. With below freezing temps predicted, gusty winds will result in wind chills below zero in the mountains.

Chain controls on Interstate 80 over Donner Summit and Highway 50 over Echo Summit should be anticipated Sunday night through Monday morning.