Wrightwood, California – Heavy snow and damaging winds could slam the San Gabriel and Ventura County mountains beginning Monday morning, with dangerous travel possible through Thursday morning.
A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Monday morning through Thursday morning for the Eastern San Gabriel Mountains and Northern Ventura County Mountains. This includes Mount Baldy, Wrightwood, Mount Wilson, Mount Pinos, Lockwood Valley, Ozena and stretches of the Angeles Crest Highway.
Snow totals will vary by elevation. Forecasters say 1 to 4 inches are possible between 3,500 and 4,500 feet. Areas between 4,500 and 6,000 feet could see 6 to 12 inches, while elevations above 6,000 feet may receive 1 to 2 feet.
According to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard, wind gusts could reach 60 to 70 mph through Monday afternoon, then remain as high as 50 mph through Thursday morning. Blowing and drifting snow may drop visibility below a quarter mile, even during a brief lull in snowfall Tuesday into Tuesday night.
Travel along the Angeles Crest Highway, Highway 33 near Mount Pinos and mountain routes through Wrightwood and Mount Baldy could become slick and hazardous. Strong winds may topple trees and power lines, raising the risk of outages and road blockages.
Officials urge residents and visitors to monitor updates as the watch could be upgraded to a warning. Delay non-essential travel and ensure vehicles are winter-ready. High-profile vehicles should use extra caution due to strong crosswinds.
