San Diego, CA – Mountain travel across Southern California could become impossible overnight as up to 20 inches of snow and wind gusts nearing 75 mph hammer the San Bernardino and Riverside County mountains through Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in San Diego, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until noon Wednesday for communities including Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Wrightwood and Idyllwild-Pine Cove. Snow levels will fall to 4,700 to 5,200 feet overnight, then drop further to between 3,500 and 4,500 feet Wednesday afternoon.
Through Tuesday morning, 1 to 3 inches of snow is expected between 5,500 and 6,000 feet, increasing to 3 to 6 inches between 6,000 and 7,000 feet and up to 8 inches above 7,500 feet. A stronger round arrives Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, bringing an additional 4 to 8 inches between 5,000 and 6,000 feet, 8 to 16 inches from 6,000 to 7,000 feet and 16 to 20 inches above 7,000 feet.
Southwest winds will gust 55 to 75 mph along desert slopes, creating blowing snow and near whiteout conditions. Roads such as Highways 18, 38 and 330 may become snow-covered and hazardous, with chain controls likely.
Officials urge drivers to delay travel and check 511 for updates. Additional snow is possible Wednesday night into Thursday as cold air settles over the region.
