Los Angeles, California – Travel through the Grapevine and Highway 14 corridor could become treacherous by the Wednesday morning commute as heavy mountain snow and 50 mph wind gusts move into Southern California.
According to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Tuesday evening through Thursday morning for the Interstate 5 Corridor, the Western San Gabriel Mountains and the Antelope Valley foothills. Snow totals of 1 to 4 inches are possible between 3,500 and 4,500 feet, including the Grapevine. Above 4,500 feet, 6 to 12 inches could accumulate, especially in the Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains and Southern Ventura County Mountains.
Tejon Pass, Gorman, Pyramid Lake and portions of Highway 14 near Acton, Pearblossom and Palmdale sit in the highest risk zone. Strong winds may down tree limbs and sharply reduce visibility, with blowing snow dropping visibility below a quarter mile at times.
Drivers should prepare for slick bridges and steep grades, particularly along I-5 and Highway 14. Caltrans could implement chain controls or temporary closures if snowfall rates increase. Avoid unnecessary mountain travel during peak snowfall Tuesday night into Wednesday, and allow extra time if travel is required. Watches remain in effect through Thursday morning, and upgrades to warnings are possible as the storm strengthens.
