NORTHSTATE, Calif. -- Stormy weather is creating risky conditions for drivers on Northstate highways.

Caltrans said, amid winter storms, spinouts and accidents take place often, adding that this could result in hours-long traffic delays.

Caltrans District 2 Public Information Officer Chris Woodward told KRCR their team expects the most snow to fall the night of Dec. 13 into Dec. 14 in the high country.

He said drivers should be prepared for the worst.

"I would say, if you're leaving the valley, going up in any higher elevation, it's good to check those roadway conditions to see where chain controls may go into effect," Woodward said. "You may have rain in some areas that could turn into snow pretty quickly depending on the temperatures and how the system is coming through. Those conditions could change pretty rapidly."

Woodward said it's best to stay home and avoid traveling during the storm if you can. However, if you need to be out on the highways, he recommended keeping an eye on roadway conditions early and often.

When listing the items drivers should have with them to be safe, Woodward said, "First and foremost, your chains -- you need to have your chains and know how to put those on and use them. Also, having a full tank of gas...a spare key for your vehicle -- you don't want to lock yourself outside of your vehicle if you're out there putting chains on -- and then your warm blankets, food, water, a small shovel is helpful if you have to clear snow out or partly dig your car out. So these are all things you can keep in mind before you have to go out there on the roadway."

Caltrans QuickMap can help you stay up to date on the latest, such as areas with chain controls, CHP incidents, and road closures.