CANYON COUNTRY, Calif (KABC) – Amajor snowstormprompted the closures of the 5 Freeway through the Grapevine and the 40 Freeway through the Cajon Pass Thursday.
It was unclear when either interstate would reopen.
Video along the freeway showed dozens of cars with several inches of snow around vehicles’ tires.
The Grapevine closure – in effect between Lake Hughes Road and Grapevine Road – was just the start of a heavy and difficult storm, which moved into the Southland Wednesday night.
The closure through the Cajon Pass was in effect in both directions from Cleghorn to Ranchero Road, from the Cajon Pass to Hesperia. Highway 138 was also closed from the Freeway to Beekley Road.
Drivers heading to the mountains are being warned to take precautions and expect hazardous conditions. Caltrans is telling drivers heading to the mountains to bring chains. Heavy snow is likely along with some flooding and road closures.
A wind advisory remained in effect until 25 PM Thursday because strong east-southeast winds are expected with the storm. Winds of 40 – mph are forecast in the LA Basin with gusts of 60 – mph and mountain gusts could hit – 90 mph, which could make travel treacherous.
Residents affected by recent wildfires are being warned to prepare for potential flooding.
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Other challenges are possible, as well.
On Tuesday, the road into Lake Arrowhead, for example, was clear, but fog was already creating visibility issues for drivers. On Wednesday, rain and snow will make the drive that much more difficult.
“What we’re telling people right now is if you’re going to Disneyland you need a ticket, if you go to the beach you need sunscreen and if you’re going to the mountains you will need chains, “said Caltrans spokesperson Terri Kasinga.
In lower-lying communities, heavy rain is expected. People living in areas scarred by recent fires, such as the Getty, Saddleridge and Palisades fires, should prepare for the chance of flash floods.
Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott said the agency is deploying resources to burn areas. The city has set up K-rails along Sepulveda Boulevard to help control potential flooding off the hillsides.Adrianne Green, a Lancaster resident, is worried about her drive home after the holiday.
“This winter has been crazy,” Green said. “Like a winter we’ve never had in a long time. A lot of rain, a lot of snow. Californians aren’t used to this. It’s a major adjustment. We’re not prepared. We don’t know how to slow down, we think we can drive the same as we do when the sun is shining. “
This is already the second big storm of the season for the region – and the last one was also on a holiday.
Last month’sThanksgiving stormdropped nearly four feet of snow on the Big Bear area – the heaviest snowfall to hit in November for more than 50 years.
It closed roads throughout the region and knocked out power to thousands of customers. The snow and wind were so strong even the ski resorts closed.
City News Service contributed to this story.
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