Los Angeles, CA – A powerful winter storm is set to impact the mountains of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties starting Wednesday afternoon, bringing heavy snowfall and strong winds through early Saturday. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning from 4 p.m. Wednesday to 5 a.m. Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles, snowfall totals could reach 12 to 24 inches above 6,500 feet, with 6 to 12 inches expected between 5,500 and 7,000 feet. Lower elevations, as low as 3,000 feet, may also see snowfall accumulations of up to an inch. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph, creating hazardous whiteout conditions.
The heaviest snowfall is expected Wednesday night into Thursday morning, impacting mountain travel and making road conditions treacherous. A second, weaker system will move through the region on Friday, adding lighter snow accumulations. Drivers should prepare for difficult or impossible travel conditions, particularly along mountain passes such as the Angeles Crest Highway, Tejon Pass, and areas near Wrightwood and Mount Baldy.
Authorities recommend avoiding unnecessary travel and carrying an emergency kit with food, water, and a flashlight if driving is essential. For updated road conditions, travelers can call 511 or visit the California Department of Transportation’s website.
