San Bernardino, CA – Drivers heading into the mountains east of Los Angeles should prepare for chain controls and possible road closures by late Monday morning as up to 30 inches of snow and 70 mph wind gusts hammer elevations above 6,000 feet.
According to the National Weather Service in San Diego, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 10 a.m. Monday until 9 a.m. Thursday for the San Bernardino and Riverside County mountains. The first wave will bring 6 to 10 inches between 6,000 and 7,000 feet and up to 30 inches above 8,000 feet through early Tuesday. A second, stronger round late Tuesday into Wednesday will add another 8 to 15 inches in the San Bernardino range and up to a foot in the higher peaks near Idyllwild-Pine Cove. Ridge-top gusts could exceed 70 mph along desert slopes.
Snow levels will fall from near 7,000 feet Monday to around 4,000 feet by Wednesday morning, increasing the risk of impacts along Interstate 15 near Cajon Pass during the Wednesday and Thursday morning commutes.
Travel could become very difficult to impossible at times. Officials urge motorists to carry chains, food, water and extra clothing, and to check California road conditions by calling 511 before departure. Warnings remain in effect through Thursday morning, and additional restrictions are possible as the second wave intensifies.
