San Bernardino, California – Travel across the San Bernardino and Riverside County mountains is turning dangerous early Wednesday as heavy snow and wind gusts up to 75 mph slam higher elevations through 10 p.m. Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in San Diego, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the San Bernardino County Mountains, including Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Running Springs, Wrightwood and Crestline, as well as the Riverside County Mountains near Idyllwild-Pine Cove. Snowfall totals through Wednesday will range from 4 to 8 inches between 5,000 and 6,000 feet, 8 to 16 inches between 6,000 and 7,000 feet, and locally more than 20 inches above 7,500 feet. Snow levels will drop to 3,500 to 4,500 feet this morning, expanding impacts to lower mountain communities.
Southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph will gust to 65 mph, with isolated gusts up to 75 mph along desert-facing slopes. An additional 3 to 8 inches of snow is expected Thursday, prolonging hazardous conditions. Major routes including Highways 18, 330 and 38 could see chain controls or closures as visibility drops and snow accumulates rapidly.
Officials urge drivers to delay mountain travel if possible and carry extra food, water and flashlights if travel is unavoidable. Check 511 for the latest California road conditions. The warning remains in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday, and further advisories are possible if snowfall rates intensify.
