Freeway 395 traverses a various vary of landscapes, from the excessive deserts of California and Nevada to the japanese slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This geographical selection leads to extremely variable meteorological patterns alongside the route. These fluctuations can embody excessive warmth within the desert valleys throughout summer time, heavy snowfall and icy circumstances at larger elevations in winter, and robust winds all year long. Understanding the prevalent atmospheric state alongside totally different sections of this freeway is essential for protected and environment friendly journey.
Correct and well timed meteorological data is crucial for vacationers planning journeys alongside this main hall. Consciousness of potential hazards akin to snowstorms, flash floods, or excessive temperatures permits for higher preparedness, doubtlessly stopping accidents and delays. Historic knowledge reveals the frequency and severity of those occasions, additional highlighting the significance of checking present forecasts earlier than and through journey. This information can affect route planning, automobile alternative, and vital security precautions.
The next sections will delve deeper into particular facets of local weather and climate alongside Freeway 395, together with differences due to the season, regional microclimates, and sources for accessing up-to-date forecasts. Moreover, methods for protected driving in several climate eventualities shall be mentioned.
1. Elevation Adjustments
Elevation adjustments considerably affect climate circumstances alongside Freeway 395. The route traverses a dramatic vary of altitudes, from close to sea degree to over 8,000 toes. This dramatic topographical variation leads to distinct microclimates. Air temperature usually decreases with growing elevation, which means vacationers can expertise drastically totally different temperatures inside quick distances. As an example, whereas the Owens Valley ground may expertise scorching summer time temperatures, larger elevations within the Sierra Nevada can stay considerably cooler, even experiencing snowfall. This temperature gradient additionally impacts precipitation. Larger elevations usually tend to obtain snow, significantly throughout winter months, whereas decrease elevations expertise predominantly rainfall.
The influence of elevation adjustments extends past temperature and precipitation. Larger elevations usually expertise stronger winds and diminished atmospheric strain. This may contribute to extra fast climate adjustments and elevated threat of altitude illness. Moreover, the steep grades related to vital elevation adjustments can pose challenges for drivers, particularly throughout inclement climate. Icy circumstances at larger elevations are widespread throughout winter, requiring drivers to train excessive warning or make the most of tire chains. The diminished air density at larger altitudes can even have an effect on automobile efficiency.
Understanding the affect of elevation on Freeway 395’s climate is essential for protected journey. Checking forecasts particular to totally different elevation zones alongside the route is crucial for preparedness. Vacationers ought to anticipate fast temperature adjustments and alter clothes accordingly. Consciousness of potential hazards like snow, ice, and robust winds at larger elevations permits for proactive security measures, contributing to a safer and extra fulfilling journey.
2. Speedy Temperature Shifts
Speedy temperature shifts are a defining attribute of Freeway 395 climate circumstances. The route’s dramatic elevation adjustments and various terrain contribute to vital temperature fluctuations inside quick distances and over comparatively transient durations. These fluctuations pose challenges for vacationers and necessitate cautious planning and preparedness.
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Diurnal Temperature Variation
Freeway 395 traverses excessive desert areas characterised by substantial diurnal temperature variation. Daytime temperatures can soar to excessive highs, particularly throughout summer time months, whereas nighttime temperatures plummet dramatically. This vital temperature swing necessitates carrying layers of clothes to adapt to altering circumstances all through the day. The fast cooling at night time can even contribute to the formation of black ice on roadways, posing a hazard to drivers, significantly throughout colder months.
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Elevational Temperature Gradients
As Freeway 395 ascends and descends via mountain passes, drivers can expertise vital temperature adjustments inside a matter of miles. A heat, sunny valley ground can rapidly transition to a chilly, snowy mountain go. These fast adjustments necessitate checking forecasts for particular places alongside the route and being ready for a variety of climate circumstances. Failure to anticipate these adjustments can result in unpreparedness for hazardous circumstances akin to snow, ice, or excessive chilly.
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Affect of Wind Patterns
Wind patterns contribute to fast temperature shifts alongside Freeway 395. Downslope winds, such because the foehn winds widespread within the japanese Sierra Nevada, can quickly enhance temperatures and reduce humidity. Conversely, upslope winds can carry cooler air and elevated cloud cowl, resulting in fast cooling. These sudden shifts can catch vacationers off guard and create hazardous driving circumstances.
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Influence on Car Efficiency
Speedy temperature adjustments can have an effect on automobile efficiency. Excessive warmth can pressure cooling techniques and enhance tire strain, whereas excessive chilly can have an effect on battery efficiency and make engines tough to start out. These components underscore the significance of car upkeep and preparedness for diverse climate circumstances alongside the route.
Adapting to fast temperature shifts is crucial for protected and cozy journey alongside Freeway 395. Monitoring climate forecasts, packing acceptable clothes, and making certain automobile readiness are essential steps. Consciousness of those fast adjustments permits vacationers to anticipate potential challenges and mitigate dangers related to fluctuating climate circumstances alongside this scenic but demanding route.
3. Excessive Desert Winds
Excessive desert winds signify a major issue influencing Freeway 395 climate circumstances. These winds, usually robust and gusty, come up from advanced interactions between regional topography, atmospheric strain gradients, and temperature variations. The Owens Valley, a outstanding characteristic alongside Freeway 395, is especially inclined to robust winds channeled between the Sierra Nevada and the Inyo Mountains. These channeled winds can create hazardous driving circumstances, significantly for high-profile automobiles. Mud storms, fueled by these winds, can drastically scale back visibility, typically resulting in short-term highway closures. Moreover, the mixture of excessive winds and low humidity can exacerbate wildfire threat, posing a major risk to each vacationers and surrounding communities. Wind gusts can even create sudden, unpredictable adjustments in automobile dealing with, requiring drivers to keep up heightened vigilance.
The sensible implications of excessive desert winds for vacationers alongside Freeway 395 are substantial. Checking wind forecasts earlier than embarking on a journey is crucial. During times of robust winds, drivers ought to scale back pace, keep agency management of the steering wheel, and be ready for sudden gusts. Excessive-profile automobiles are particularly weak and may train excessive warning or keep away from journey throughout excessive wind occasions. Consciousness of potential mud storms and diminished visibility is essential. Carrying emergency provides, together with a first-aid equipment, additional water, and blankets, is really useful in case of sudden delays or highway closures as a result of wind-related occasions. Understanding the dynamics of excessive desert winds allows knowledgeable decision-making and enhances security alongside this route.
Excessive desert winds are an integral element of Freeway 395 climate circumstances, requiring cautious consideration by vacationers. These winds contribute to hazardous driving circumstances, together with diminished visibility, sudden gusts, and elevated wildfire threat. Preparedness, together with checking forecasts, adapting driving practices, and carrying emergency provides, permits for safer navigation of this scenic but difficult freeway. Recognizing the affect of those winds is paramount for mitigating potential dangers and making certain a protected and profitable journey.
4. Winter Snow and Ice
Winter snow and ice considerably influence Freeway 395, remodeling the driving expertise and necessitating heightened warning. The freeway’s excessive elevation traverses and proximity to the Sierra Nevada lead to frequent snowfall and icy circumstances, significantly from late autumn to early spring. Understanding these circumstances and their potential hazards is essential for protected winter journey.
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Highway Closures and Delays
Heavy snowfall can result in highway closures alongside sections of Freeway 395, significantly over mountain passes. These closures disrupt journey plans and might trigger vital delays. Checking highway circumstances and closures earlier than embarking on a winter journey is crucial. Assets akin to Caltrans and NDOT present up-to-the-minute data on highway standing and closures.
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Decreased Visibility and Traction
Snow and ice scale back visibility and considerably influence tire traction. Blowing snow can create whiteout circumstances, making driving extraordinarily hazardous. Icy roads lower braking effectiveness and enhance the danger of skidding. Decreased pace and elevated following distance are essential throughout these circumstances. Carrying chains and understanding set up them is usually necessary in designated areas throughout winter storms.
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Avalanche Threat
Sure sections of Freeway 395 are susceptible to avalanches, significantly in periods of heavy snowfall and fast temperature fluctuations. Avalanches pose a major risk to motorists, and highway closures are applied when avalanche threat is excessive. Heeding warnings and avoiding journey in avalanche-prone areas in periods of heightened threat are essential security measures.
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Black Ice Formation
Black ice, a skinny, clear layer of ice that kinds on highway surfaces, is a major hazard throughout winter months. It’s usually tough to detect visually, creating sudden lack of traction. Bridges and shaded areas are significantly inclined to black ice formation. Driving cautiously and being conscious of potential black ice hazards are crucial for protected winter journey alongside Freeway 395.
Winter snow and ice essentially alter driving circumstances alongside Freeway 395. Preparation, vigilance, and adaptation are important for navigating this scenic route safely throughout winter. Checking highway circumstances, carrying acceptable security gear, and adjusting driving practices to swimsuit prevailing circumstances contribute considerably to a protected and profitable winter journey. Ignoring these components considerably will increase the danger of accidents and delays.
5. Summer season Warmth Extremes
Summer season warmth extremes represent a defining attribute of Freeway 395 climate circumstances, significantly within the decrease elevation desert areas. Extended durations of excessive temperatures, usually exceeding 100F (38C), pose vital challenges for vacationers and necessitate cautious planning and preparation. The mixture of intense photo voltaic radiation, low humidity, and restricted shade creates a demanding atmosphere. These excessive temperatures can result in warmth exhaustion, warmth stroke, and different heat-related diseases. Car malfunctions, akin to overheating engines and tire blowouts, are additionally extra widespread in excessive warmth. The influence on weak populations, such because the aged and people with pre-existing medical circumstances, is especially vital. As an example, in the course of the 2021 heatwave, quite a few incidents of heat-related diseases and automobile breakdowns had been reported alongside Freeway 395, highlighting the real-world influence of those excessive circumstances.
Understanding the causes and results of summer time warmth extremes alongside Freeway 395 is essential for mitigating dangers. The freeway’s trajectory via low-lying desert valleys contributes to elevated temperatures. The dearth of vegetation and uncovered terrain additional intensifies photo voltaic heating. These components, mixed with regional wind patterns, create a difficult atmosphere for vacationers. Sensible purposes of this understanding embody planning journey throughout cooler elements of the day, carrying ample water provides, and making certain automobiles are correctly maintained for desert driving circumstances. Monitoring climate forecasts and warmth advisories issued by the Nationwide Climate Service is essential for staying knowledgeable and adapting journey plans accordingly. Making ready for potential automobile malfunctions, akin to carrying spare tires and coolant, can be advisable.
Summer season warmth extremes pose a considerable problem for anybody touring alongside Freeway 395. The mixture of excessive temperatures, low humidity, and intense photo voltaic radiation creates a demanding atmosphere that requires cautious planning and preparation. Understanding the causes, results, and sensible implications of those excessive circumstances permits vacationers to mitigate dangers, improve security, and guarantee a extra comfy journey via this scenic but difficult panorama. Ignoring these components can have critical penalties, starting from automobile malfunctions to heat-related diseases.
6. Flash Flood Potential
Flash flood potential presents a major hazard related to Freeway 395 climate circumstances, significantly in the course of the summer time monsoon season. The mixture of steep terrain, sparse vegetation, and intense rainfall creates a conducive atmosphere for fast runoff and flash flooding. Rainwater rapidly accumulates in usually dry washes and canyons, remodeling them into raging torrents with little warning. These flash floods can inundate roadways, sweep away automobiles, and strand vacationers. The unpredictable nature of those occasions makes them significantly harmful. A seemingly innocent thunderstorm can set off a devastating flash flood inside minutes. The geographical traits of the areas surrounding Freeway 395, together with the Mojave Desert and the japanese Sierra Nevada foothills, exacerbate this threat as a result of their arid local weather and restricted capability for water absorption.
A number of components contribute to flash flood potential alongside Freeway 395. Burn scars from wildfires create hydrophobic soil circumstances, growing floor runoff and accelerating flood improvement. The mountainous terrain funnels rainfall into slender canyons, intensifying water circulation and growing the harmful energy of flash floods. Antecedent soil moisture circumstances additionally play a job. If the bottom is already saturated from earlier rainfall, subsequent precipitation is extra prone to generate floor runoff and contribute to flash flooding. Actual-world examples, such because the 2015 flash floods in Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park, which impacted sections of Freeway 395, display the devastating penalties of those occasions. These floods brought on in depth harm to infrastructure, stranded motorists, and highlighted the vulnerability of this area to excessive climate occasions.
Understanding flash flood potential is crucial for protected journey alongside Freeway 395. Monitoring climate forecasts, significantly throughout monsoon season, is crucial. Heeding flash flood warnings and avoiding journey in areas susceptible to flooding are essential security measures. Recognizing the indicators of an impending flash flood, akin to quickly rising water ranges in streams and washes, and taking speedy evasive motion might be life-saving. By no means try to drive via flooded roadways, because the depth and velocity of the water are sometimes underestimated. Flash flood potential provides a layer of complexity to Freeway 395 climate circumstances, necessitating heightened consciousness and preparedness for all vacationers. Ignoring this potential hazard can have dire penalties.
7. Restricted Visibility
Restricted visibility regularly complicates journey alongside Freeway 395, posing substantial security dangers. A number of climate circumstances contribute to diminished visibility, demanding heightened driver consciousness and adaptation. Dense fog, usually encountered within the Owens Valley and different low-lying areas, can drastically scale back visibility, typically to close zero. This necessitates slower speeds, elevated following distances, and the usage of low-beam headlights. Failure to adapt to those circumstances will increase the danger of collisions. Blowing snow throughout winter storms creates whiteout circumstances, successfully eliminating visibility and making protected navigation practically unimaginable. Highway closures usually change into vital throughout these excessive occasions. Mud storms, prevalent within the desert areas traversed by Freeway 395, can even severely restrict visibility, creating hazardous driving circumstances. Robust winds elevate high quality particles into the air, forming dense clouds of mud that obscure the roadway and surrounding panorama. The mixture of diminished visibility and slippery highway surfaces from gathered mud additional amplifies the hazard.
The influence of restricted visibility extends past speedy security considerations. Decreased visibility contributes to driver fatigue, as elevated focus and pressure are required to navigate the roadway. This fatigue can impair judgment and response time, additional growing the danger of accidents. Financial penalties come up from highway closures and delays attributable to restricted visibility occasions. Industrial trucking, tourism, and different industries reliant on environment friendly transportation alongside Freeway 395 expertise disruptions and monetary losses when visibility restricts journey. The 2019 mud storm that closed a bit of Freeway 395 close to Bishop, California, exemplifies the disruptive potential of those occasions, inflicting vital delays and financial influence.
Addressing the challenges posed by restricted visibility requires a multifaceted strategy. Often checking climate forecasts and heeding warnings relating to fog, snow, and mud storms are important. Equipping automobiles with acceptable lighting and making certain correct performance is essential. Drivers should adapt their driving practices to prevailing circumstances, decreasing pace, growing following distance, and using acceptable lighting. Understanding the causes and results of restricted visibility alongside Freeway 395 is paramount for protected and environment friendly journey. Preparedness, knowledgeable decision-making, and adaptable driving methods contribute considerably to mitigating dangers related to restricted visibility occasions.
8. Sudden Storms
Sudden storms pose a major hazard alongside Freeway 395, contributing to the route’s dynamic and infrequently unpredictable climate circumstances. The freeway’s various terrain and publicity to various climate patterns create an atmosphere conducive to fast storm improvement. These storms can manifest as intense thunderstorms, snow squalls, or robust wind occasions, every presenting distinctive challenges for vacationers.
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Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms, significantly throughout summer time monsoon season, can develop quickly alongside Freeway 395. These storms carry heavy rainfall, lightning, hail, and robust winds, creating hazardous driving circumstances. Flash flooding, triggered by intense rainfall, poses a major risk in mountainous areas and desert washes. Decreased visibility as a result of heavy rain and potential hail additional complicates navigation. The 2018 flash floods close to Lone Pine, California, underscore the harmful potential of thunderstorm-induced flooding alongside the freeway.
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Snow Squalls
Snow squalls are characterised by sudden bursts of heavy snowfall and robust winds, resulting in fast reductions in visibility and treacherous highway circumstances. These occasions are widespread throughout winter months, significantly at larger elevations. The fast onset and depth of snow squalls can catch drivers unprepared, growing the danger of accidents. Chain controls and highway closures are sometimes applied throughout these occasions to make sure security. The 2022 winter storms that impacted the Sierra Nevada area, together with sections of Freeway 395, illustrate the disruptive potential of snow squalls.
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Excessive Wind Occasions
Sudden excessive wind occasions can happen all year long alongside Freeway 395, impacting automobile dealing with and creating hazardous driving circumstances. These winds, usually exacerbated by the area’s topography, can attain excessive speeds, significantly within the Owens Valley. Excessive-profile automobiles are particularly weak to those gusts, which may trigger lack of management. Blowing mud and sand additional scale back visibility throughout these occasions. The frequent wind advisories issued for Freeway 395, significantly throughout spring and fall, spotlight the prevalence of those sudden wind occasions.
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Microburst Downdrafts
Microbursts, localized columns of sinking air inside thunderstorms, produce robust downdrafts that influence the bottom with vital pressure. These downdrafts can generate damaging winds corresponding to a twister, posing a extreme risk to motorists. The sudden onset and localized nature of microbursts make them tough to foretell and keep away from. Whereas much less frequent than different sudden storm sorts, microbursts could cause vital harm and disruption alongside Freeway 395.
The susceptibility of Freeway 395 to sudden storms reinforces the significance of steady monitoring of climate forecasts and highway circumstances. The unpredictable and doubtlessly hazardous nature of those occasions necessitates preparedness, adaptability, and cautious driving practices. Understanding the precise dangers related to every kind of sudden storm thunderstorms, snow squalls, excessive wind occasions, and microbursts permits vacationers to make knowledgeable choices, improve security, and mitigate potential hazards alongside this scenic but difficult route.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions on Freeway 395 Climate Circumstances
This FAQ part addresses widespread inquiries relating to climate circumstances alongside Freeway 395, aiming to offer concise and informative responses for enhanced journey preparedness.
Query 1: How regularly are highway closures as a result of climate applied on Freeway 395?
Highway closures differ seasonally. Winter closures as a result of snow and ice are extra frequent at larger elevations, whereas short-term closures throughout different seasons may end up from flash floods, wildfires, or excessive winds. Checking present highway circumstances earlier than journey is crucial.
Query 2: What sources provide dependable, real-time climate data particular to Freeway 395?
The Nationwide Climate Service (NWS) offers forecasts and warnings. State transportation departments, akin to Caltrans for California and NDOT for Nevada, provide highway situation updates. Using a number of sources offers a complete understanding.
Query 3: How quickly can climate circumstances change alongside the route?
Circumstances can shift dramatically inside quick distances and timeframes as a result of elevation adjustments and microclimates. Mountain passes could expertise snow whereas valleys stay heat. Monitoring forecasts for particular places alongside the route is important.
Query 4: What are the first weather-related hazards vacationers ought to anticipate?
Key hazards embody winter snow and ice, summer time warmth extremes, flash flooding, excessive desert winds, and restricted visibility as a result of fog, mud, or snow. Preparedness for various circumstances is crucial for protected journey.
Query 5: Are particular sections of Freeway 395 extra inclined to explicit climate hazards?
Larger elevations are extra susceptible to snow and ice, whereas decrease desert areas expertise excessive warmth and flash flood potential. The Owens Valley is especially inclined to excessive winds. Researching particular places alongside the supposed route is advisable.
Query 6: How ought to one put together for the various climate circumstances alongside Freeway 395?
Important preparations embody checking forecasts, packing acceptable clothes for diverse temperatures, carrying emergency provides (water, meals, blankets), making certain automobile readiness, and understanding chain necessities throughout winter months. Adaptability and warning are essential.
Consciousness of potential climate hazards and proactive planning are important for protected and environment friendly journey alongside Freeway 395. Staying knowledgeable about present circumstances and adapting to altering circumstances contributes considerably to a profitable journey.
The subsequent part will provide detailed methods for protected driving practices in numerous climate circumstances encountered alongside Freeway 395.
Protected Driving Methods for Freeway 395
Navigating Freeway 395 safely requires adapting driving practices to the prevailing climate circumstances. The next methods improve security and mitigate dangers related to the various climate patterns encountered alongside this route.
Tip 1: Verify Forecasts Often
Consulting climate forecasts from dependable sources earlier than and through journey is paramount. Nationwide Climate Service forecasts, mixed with state transportation division updates (Caltrans for California, NDOT for Nevada), present important data on potential hazards. Accessing forecasts particular to totally different elevation zones alongside the route is essential as a result of fast temperature and precipitation adjustments.
Tip 2: Regulate Velocity to Circumstances
Lowering pace is essential throughout adversarial climate. Snow, ice, heavy rain, fog, and excessive winds necessitate slower speeds to keep up management and enhance response time. Posted pace limits are sometimes unsafe throughout inclement climate. Adapting pace to prevailing circumstances enhances security and mitigates dangers.
Tip 3: Enhance Following Distance
Sustaining a better following distance is crucial, particularly throughout diminished visibility or slippery circumstances. Elevated following distance offers extra time to react to sudden occasions and reduces the danger of collisions. This apply is especially essential in mountainous terrain the place stopping distances enhance.
Tip 4: Carry Chains and Know Easy methods to Use Them
Carrying tire chains throughout winter months and understanding set up them is essential, significantly when traversing larger elevations. Chain controls are regularly applied throughout winter storms. Failure to hold or set up chains may end up in delays, fines, or being turned away from designated areas.
Tip 5: Be Ready for Excessive Temperatures
Packing acceptable clothes for each excessive warmth and chilly is crucial because of the wide selection of temperatures encountered alongside Freeway 395. Carrying additional water, particularly throughout summer time months, is essential to forestall dehydration. Being ready for temperature fluctuations enhances consolation and security.
Tip 6: Keep Alert for Wildlife
Wildlife regularly crosses Freeway 395, significantly throughout daybreak and nightfall. Decreased visibility as a result of climate circumstances will increase the danger of wildlife collisions. Sustaining vigilance and decreasing pace, particularly in areas identified for wildlife crossings, enhances security.
Tip 7: Talk Journey Plans
Informing somebody of journey plans, together with route and estimated arrival time, is advisable, particularly throughout winter months or when touring alone. This ensures somebody is conscious of the supposed route in case of sudden delays or emergencies.
Implementing these protected driving methods promotes a safer and extra fulfilling journey alongside Freeway 395. Adapting to the various climate circumstances encountered alongside this scenic route reduces dangers and enhances the general journey expertise.
The next conclusion summarizes key takeaways and offers closing suggestions for navigating Freeway 395 safely.
Conclusion
Freeway 395 presents a singular mix of scenic magnificence and difficult climate circumstances. This exploration has highlighted the various climate patterns encountered alongside the route, starting from excessive warmth and flash floods within the desert areas to heavy snow and ice at larger elevations. The dynamic interaction of elevation adjustments, wind patterns, and differences due to the season creates a posh meteorological atmosphere requiring cautious consideration by vacationers. Understanding the potential hazards related to every climate sample, together with fast temperature shifts, excessive desert winds, restricted visibility, and sudden storms, is essential for protected navigation. The potential penalties of unpreparedness vary from minor inconveniences like journey delays to extreme outcomes akin to accidents and life-threatening conditions.
Protected journey alongside Freeway 395 necessitates proactive planning, steady monitoring of climate forecasts, and adaptable driving methods. Using out there sources, akin to real-time climate updates and highway situation stories, empowers knowledgeable decision-making. In the end, preparedness, vigilance, and respect for the facility of nature contribute considerably to a protected and profitable journey alongside this scenic but demanding freeway. Prioritizing security ensures that the main focus stays on appreciating the gorgeous landscapes traversed by Freeway 395, somewhat than contending with preventable weather-related challenges.
