Hanford, CA – Travel across the Tehachapi Mountains is becoming extremely dangerous as heavy snow and powerful wind gusts hammer Kern County’s higher elevations through early Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Hanford, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 7 a.m. Friday for the Tehachapi area, Frazier Mountain communities and the Piute Walker Basin. Forecasters expect an additional 1 to 2 feet of snow, with wind gusts reaching 55 mph. The combination will create blowing snow, sharply reduced visibility and icy road surfaces.
Highways through Tehachapi Pass, including Highway 58, as well as local routes near Frazier Park, could see chain controls or temporary closures. The hazardous conditions are likely to impact the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes. Strong winds may snap tree limbs and cause scattered power outages.
Drivers should delay non-essential travel. If travel is unavoidable, pack extra food, water and a flashlight, and check road conditions by calling 511 before heading out. Blowing snow may drift across roadways even after snowfall briefly eases.
Snow and wind gradually taper early Friday morning, but slick roads could linger beyond sunrise. Additional advisories may follow if cold air remains in place.
