Interstate 80 shut down

RENO " A winter storm snarled holiday travel in the Sierra on Christmas Day, as heavy snow shut down an 80-mile stretch of Interstate 80.

Westbound traffic was held at the Nevada line, while eastbound travelers were stopped at Applegate, Calif.

Travel restrictions also were in effect farther east on the interstate over mountain grades, including a 150-mile section from Winnemucca to Elko.

In western Nevada, chains or snow tires were required on most other routes across the region, including in the Reno-Carson City area.

No major accidents were reported.

Lake Tahoe ski resorts reported more than 2 feet of snow overnight. A winter storm warning remains in effect through late this afternoon.

Snow began to fall in the valleys of western Nevada just before dawn, and several inches had accumulated by midmorning.