Los Angeles, California – Travel through the San Gabriel and Ventura County mountains could become dangerous by the Monday morning commute as heavy snow and 70 mph wind gusts move into Southern California’s higher terrain.
According to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Monday morning through Thursday morning for the Eastern San Gabriel Mountains and Northern Ventura County Mountains, including the Angeles Crest Highway, Mount Baldy, Mount Wilson, Wrightwood and Mount Pinos.
Forecasters say 1 to 4 inches of snow is possible between 3,500 and 4,500 feet, 6 to 12 inches between 4,500 and 6,000 feet, and 1 to 2 feet above 6,000 feet. Wind gusts could reach 60 to 70 mph through Monday afternoon, creating blowing and drifting snow with visibility dropping below a quarter mile. While snowfall may ease Tuesday into Tuesday night, strong winds will continue to reduce visibility at higher elevations before heavier snow returns Wednesday.
A separate watch begins Tuesday evening for the Interstate 5 Corridor, including Tejon Pass and the Grapevine, along with interior mountains of Santa Barbara and southern Ventura counties. Snow totals of 1 to 4 inches are possible near 3,500 to 4,500 feet along I-5, with 6 to 12 inches above 4,500 feet and gusts up to 50 mph.
Drivers should prepare for chain controls, sudden visibility drops and possible closures. Officials urge motorists to delay non-essential travel and monitor updates as watches could be upgraded before the first wave arrives Monday morning.
