Over 100 Cars Trapped On Patterson Pass Road In Livermore

LIVERMORE, CA — The ongoing winter storm created a bit of a jam in Livermore Friday morning as more than 100 cars were trapped on Patterson Pass Road, also known as the “Top of the World.”

The Alameda County Fire Department tweeted that at around 5:30 a.m., Engine 20 helped assist over 100 cars stopped on the 13-mile roadway, which runs from North Mines Road in Livermore to Tracy, due to accumulated ice and snow.

Video released by the department shows a number of cars stopped on the road, with their hazard lights flashing. “Digging cars out of snow - yay!” says a firefighter filming one of the videos.

Firefighter Dave Jansen told SFGate he thinks as many as 200 cars were trapped, and firefighters had to shovel muck out of the road and push each car up the hill.

The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement in effect until 2 p.m. Saturday.

“Hazardous conditions continue due to the recent rain/snow event coupled with the very cold temperatures expected overnight. After gathering reports from partners, local officials, and the general public, there are multiple road closures across the region due to downed trees and snow. There are also many reports of power outages,” the weather service said. “Residents across the region should avoid travel in the higher elevations as crews continue to address road issues and power outages.

“Rain and snow showers will continue. As temperatures drop tonight, many locations across our forecast area will be at or below freezing. This means the potential for black ice on the roads becomes a dangerous threat for motorists...even along the valley floor.”

The California Highway Patrol also issued a rare Snow Advisory. “Well, we don’t get to use our snow advisory message very often in the Tri-Valley,” CHP Dublin Area tweeted at 7:52 a.m. “Let this be a good reminder that road weather/road conditions are constantly changing and always plan ahead.”

What have you seen? Share your storm stories and photos with Michael.wittner@patch.com.