Lancaster, California – Drivers along Highway 14 could encounter slick pavement and sudden drops in visibility starting at 9 p.m. Tuesday as heavy snow and 50 mph wind gusts move into the Antelope Valley foothills.
According to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 9 p.m. Tuesday through 9 a.m. PST Thursday for the Western San Gabriel Mountains and Highway 14 Corridor, along with the Western and Eastern Antelope Valley Foothills. Snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches are expected between 3,500 and 4,500 feet, with 4 to 8 inches forecast above 4,500 feet.
Communities including Acton, Pearblossom, Llano, Elizabeth Lake and Valyermo could see accumulating snow late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Blowing snow may reduce visibility on higher stretches of Highway 14, especially near Soledad Pass and exposed ridge tops. Strong gusts could down tree limbs and create isolated power outages.
The timing raises concern for the Wednesday morning and evening commutes as temperatures hover near freezing at elevation. Officials urge residents to secure loose outdoor items and carry chains, extra food, water and a flashlight if travel is unavoidable.
Conditions should gradually improve after 9 a.m. Thursday, but additional advisories are possible if snowfall rates increase overnight.
