Tahoe Evacuees Stuck In Hours Long Gridlock

Traffic was stopped for several hours Monday afternoon after mandatory evacuation orders were issued, causing the residents of South Lake Tahoe to flee. The city's 20,000 or more residents took to the roads to leave the area; a downfall of the region is that there are very few ways in or out of the area. With the local highways impacted by the fire, evacuees were being funneled out of town towards the Nevada state line. Highways 50, 88 and 89 were all closed below the Tahoe Basin. Anyone wanting to head towards Sacramento or the Bay Area could not do it directly via Highway 50 due to the closures. South Lake Tahoe Police Chief David Stevenson told the SF Gate that he was grateful residents took the evacuation orders seriously and got out while they could, even with the hours long traffic jam. Stunning photos from reporters and residents stuck in the gridlock demonstrate the strength of South Lake Tahoe residents and the impact of the fires on the small community. By 4pm on Monday, traffic cameras show the gridlock was resolved.