Winter storm: Heavy wind, snow in Southern California

Early Saturday morning, rain flooded portions of the 710 Freeway in Bell Gardens. 

Caution is advised when driving on flooded roads, "Turn around don't drown," advises KCAL News Reporter Kalyna Astrinos.

Caltrans: This highway information is the latest reported as of Saturday, February 25th, 2023 at 06:37 AM.

I 710 [IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA]

NO TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS ARE REPORTED FOR THIS AREA.

There were drivers saved from their cars and power outages in the North Hollywood area Friday night.

In Monrovia, people decided to stay inside during the rain Friday night. 

Tom Wait was in North Hollywood where the streets were flooding during a powerful storm. 

The rain has proven to be a formidable foe for many drivers in Los Angeles County.

On Friday afternoon, the National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning for northern Los Angeles County, which includes much of the San Fernando Valley. The warning extended to Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. 

The National Weather Service expanded a Flash Flood Warning for more areas in Los Angeles County until 10 p.m. on Friday.

The areas under this warning include: Burbank, Griffith Park, Universal City, North Hollywood, Pasadena, Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, Van Nuys, Beverly Hills, Alhambra, Encino, Northridge, Santa Clarita, Chatsworth, Woodland Hills, Whittier, West Covina, Glendora and San Dimas. 

Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties are also under the Flash Flood Warning.

A Flash Flood Warning was also issued for Glendale and Santa Clarita.

Flash flooding will be limited to locations below snow levels, which fall from 4,500 feet to 3,000 feet, including burn scar areas:

• Thousand Oaks
• Simi Valley
• Santa Barbara
• Camarillo
• Lompoc
• Fillmore
• Ojai
• Montecito 
• Santa Ynez
• Point Conception
• Chatsworth
• Moorpark, 
• Santa Paula
•  Carpinteria 
• Solvang
• Vandenberg Air Force Base
• Summerland
• Isla Vista
• Rincon Point 
• La Conchita
  

A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding and debris flows are imminent or occurring and residents living in the area should get away from these areas.

The Grapevine remains closed Friday afternoon between Castaic and Lebec due to heavy snowfall. Drivers are being turned around and diverted into southbound lanes at a roadblock in Castaic.

Even big trucks were reportedly getting stuck at the top in Lebec, where a foot of snow was reported in some areas.

"It's pretty treacherous conditions up north. There's a lot of snow, a lot of ice, and the visibility's pretty low up there," said CHP Newhall Officer Joshua Greengard.  "Right now we have heavy rain in the Castaic area, and it's just a little bit difficult for motorists to try to get through there right now."

The CHP recommends taking the 101 Freeway if drivers must get north or south -- if postponing travel is not an option.

Caltrans crews have been laying de-icing material on pavement to stop black ice from forming on the 15 Freeway through the Cajon Pass.

CHP officers were running traffic breaks to moderate traffic Friday morning and were helping to clear accidents and spin-outs all along the roadway.

"Make sure you've got the right tires, your vehicle's equipped to handle weather like this -- but if you just be patient, I think you'll get there," said truck driver Jason Davis. "But a lot of people are just not prepared for this type of weather."

"Just slow down. Leave maybe a little bit more time to get to your destinations, and slow on the accelerator and slow on the gas as well," said CHP Officer Chris McLeod. "Don't make any sudden movements, because the loss in traction could cause you to spin out."

Automobile Club of Southern California spokesman Doug Shupe joins KCAL News to offer safety tips for drivers during this winter weather storm bringing rain, snow and wind across Southland roadways.

The Interstate 5 Freeway closed through the Grapevine at about 1:30 a.m. Friday due to snowfall. There was no estimate on when the roadways would reopen. A CHP officer tells Tina Patel that drivers should avoid the area until at least Saturday night. 

MORE: Winter storm: Grapevine shuts down from Castaic to Lebec due to snowfall

Snow turned to rain, and high winds with the wet road surface created dangerous driving conditions along the 14 Freeway in Antelope Freeway Friday morning. Rick Montanez reports.

The 15 Freeway through the Cajon Pass saw dense fog Friday morning with snow and powerful winds creating dangerous driving conditions. Kara Finnstrom reports.

California Highway Patrol officers are escorting vehicles in both directions of 14 Fwy between Ward Road near Acton to Avenue S in Palmdale.

Check your local driving conditions with KCAL News NEXT Traffic.

The Interstate 5 Freeway is closed in both directions through the Grapevine Friday morning due to snowfall.

Northbound lanes of the Grapevine are closed at Parker Road in Castaic. Traffic is already backed up for miles south. Southbound lanes are closed in Lebec.

There was no estimate on when the roadways would reopen. Closures began about 1:30 a.m. Friday. California Highway Patrol officers had been escorting vehicles prior to all lanes closing.

More details: Grapevine shuts down from Castaic to Lebec due to snowfall

All trails and dozens of parks are closed Friday and Saturday as Los Angeles County expects to receive heavy rain and wind.

LAX has hit a record-low temperature amid as the most powerful part of the winter storm approaches the area. 

According to the National Weather Service, it dropped to 41 degrees at LAX earlier today, tying the record set in 2019. The weather service said the new record happened amid a heavy rain squall around at around 11 a.m. 

To read the full story click here. 

We've been talking about the historic Blizzard Warning affecting parts of Ventura and LA Counties. Meteorologist Evelyn Taft defines the conditions needed for a blizzard.

It's an unusual sight and experience for Yucaipa. While winter weather -- and snow -- has caused some problems in the area, it's also making for some fun.

Just outside the snow-filled Yucaipa Regional Park Thursday, students said they "were so happy," and "so excited" to stay home and play in the snow after schools were closed due to weather.

Click here to read more.

California Highway Patrol Officer Alec Pereyda says they are seeing a lot of rain and snow on the mountain area roadways. Drivers should stay at home if possible to avoid difficult driving conditions.

Big Bear resorts are expected to get 4 more feet of snow before this storm moves on, but drivers heading up the 330 were stymied by a jackknifed big-rig Thursday morning. Chains are required for any mountain-bound vehicles. Sheba Turk reports.

Rick Montanez finds the snow in Agua Dulce. Graupel turned to snowflakes with icy conditions on the 14 Freeway earlier as Caltrans crews spread sand to prevent road ice. CHP was escorting drivers along the 14 between Pearblossom Highway and Avenue S just south of Palmdale

Dangerous driving conditions are increasing as fog and rain descend on the 15 Freeway through the Cajon Pass Thursday morning. Kara Finnstrom reports.

James Medina of Caltrans advises on storm road travel, saying to avoid nonessential travel Thursday.

SkyCAL was over the Hollywood sign and caught a glimpse of hail Thursday morning.

L.A. County issued a Mudflow Alert for Duarte's Fish Fire burn scar area, plus a Yellow Alert and the closure of Mel Canyon Road Thursday night.

More information on Duarte's alerts and closures here.

Caltrans crews were spreading a cinder/salt/gravel mix on roadways through the Cajon Pass to help vehicle traction Thursday morning, and motorists are urged to drive with caution as snow accumulates. Kara Finnstrom reports from the 15 Freeway.

Bear Valley Unified School District closed its schools due to weather conditions Thursday.

The Bear Valley Unified School District states on its website: "Due to inclement weather and unsafe road conditions, there will not be school on Thursday, February 23, 2023. Please stay safe."

At least eight people were injured in a 20-vehicle crash on the Interstate 10 Freeway in Yucaipa at Wildwood Canyon Wednesday night.

At about 10:24 p.m. Wednesday, about 20 vehicles piled up on the 10 Freeway in the city of Yucaipa in San Bernardino County.

The incident occurred on the westbound 10 at Wildwood Canyon Road.

Multiple vehicles, including tractor-trailers, were blocking traffic.

Eight people were injured. The freeway was closed in both directions while the incident was cleared. Westbound lanes of the 60 Freeway were also closed.

Roadways reopened at about 1 a.m. Thursday.  

As the powerful winter storm sends its first blasts into Southern California, gusts howling along the coast sent sand blowing into the air in Long Beach and other shores across Orange County.

The strong winds have already caused some major trouble on Roycroft Avenue where a large eucalyptus tree toppled over Tuesday night. It destroyed four cars including Kyle Naumovski's 10-year-old Honda. 

"I was hopeful that I maybe dodged a bullet but no it was all covered," he said. 

For the full story click here.

Experts are expecting a closure of the Grapevine during the coming winter storm, prompting a number of truck drivers to work quickly in order to finish their routes before they get caught up in slick roads and closures with precipitation just hours away. 

For more information on how the storm could affect busy thoroughfares like the Grapevine, SR-14 and more, click here. 

Wrightwood's Mountain High resort is waiting in excitement as the winter storm's first blasts hit the region.

"This is it! The one we've been waiting for. Conditions are about to go from good to 'Oh my gosh.  I can't believe this is So Cal,'" said John McColly, the resort's vice president of sales and marketing. 

The resort said it hopes to see several feet of new snow to elevations as low as 3,000 feet. According to the National Weather Service, through Thursday, Wrightwood can expect at most 18 inches of snow accumulation. However, meteorologists believe the snow totals are expected to jump up drastically once Friday comes around — raising the possibility of blizzard conditions.

On Friday, Wrightwood can see a high of 38 total inches of snow, and low of 26 inches of snow. The snowfall is expected to die down as Saturday starts with a relatively modest 9 inches of snow accumulation. 

For the full article click here.

Strong winds whipping through the South Bay wreaked havoc on trees and fences throughout Manhattan Beach Wednesday. 

Los Angeles County Department of Public Works officials have issued a Phase 2 Mudflow Alert for residents living near the Fish Fire burn scar in lieu of the powerful storm heading into Southern California. 

The alert will remain in place from Thursday morning to Sunday morning due to the heavy precipitation predicted to hit the Duarte area. 

As usual during times of heavy rain, residents living from Mel Canyon Road and Brookridge Road to Fish Canyon Road are directed to follow a number of different protocols, including: 

• Road closure on Mel Canyon Road from Brookridge Road to Fish Canyon Road beginning Thursday at 11 p.m. and lasting until Saturday. 
• Parking restriction on Mel Canyon Road from Brookridge Road to Fish Canyon Road, as well as Deerlane Road between Mel Canyon Road and Greenbank Avenue. 
• All trash bins must be removed from the street. 
• Friday's scheduled trash pick-up is canceled until Monday. 

Ahead of the heavy snowfall expected in the Antelope Valley — with some forecasters predicting up to half a foot in foothill regions — many excited residents are preparing for the frigid temperatures that will accompany their sudden winter wonderland. 

Wild winds and high surf battered the coast of Orange County on Wednesday, just another region feeling the impacts of the significant winter storm moving through Southern California. 

Despite this, adrenaline junkies and extreme sport enthusiasts were out in force, taking advantage of the whipping winds in Huntington Beach. 

With a powerful storm moving through Southern California, bringing heavy precipitation and even snowfall to low-level elevations, many popular freeways are expected to be impacted by the dangerous conditions. 

The Grapevine, which usually shuts down during strong winter storms, remained open as of 5 p.m. Wednesday evening, but drivers and residents living in the surrounding area were busy preparing to bundle up and stay home as the weather closed in. 

For more information on the potential impact the storm could have on the Grapevine, click here. 

In the Inland Empire, including Wrightwood and the Big Bear area, residents were already being battered by snowfall and strong winds, creating icy drives and equally dangerous driving conditions along SR-138 and other mountain roads.

The National Weather Service advises avoiding mountain travel as light snow is starting to fall on the Grapevine Wednesday afternoon. CHP Fort Tejon reported North and southbound I-5 remain open but there is a possibility CHP will be conducting escorts -- and if road conditions worsen, the Grapevine will close.

The 5 Freeway through the Grapevine is likely to close down when a winter storm arrives overnight. Early snow flurries had residents and drivers preparing on Wednesday. Sheba Turk reports.

What do you need to know to stay safe on SoCal roads as the big winter storm arrives this week? Caltrans spokesperson Alisa Almanzan offers tips for drivers.

• Limit non-essential travel, delay trips if possible
• Plan for potential closures, scope out alternate routes
• Monitor conditions, anticipate flooding
• Watch out for workers and maintenance crews on roadways
• Check your vehicle's brakes, wipers, tires,
• Fill your gas tank
• Carry tire chains
• Carry food, water, chargers, extra clothing/blankets

Check road conditions across California with the Caltrans QuickMap here.

"Graupel" -- snow in the form of soft pellets -- landed in the Cajon Pass region early Wednesday morning. Other mountain areas saw snow overnight. Kara Finnstrom reports.

Ahead of a rare Blizzard Warning issued for Southern California for this weekend, Meteorologist Paul Deanno breaks down the history of low snow levels in the Southland.

Light snow came down overnight in the Lancaster area, but not enough to accumulate. It's cold and windy Wednesday morning as residents prepare for a rough storm arriving this week. Rick Montanez reports.

A winter storm warning is in effect as high winds blow through mountain passes. Mountain communities are already seeing snowfall Wednesday morning. Kara Finnstrom reports from the I-15 in the Cajon Pass.

A large tree landed on several vehicles and part of an apartment building at Laurel Ave. and Manhattan Beach Blvd. early Wednesday morning. Tina Patel reports.

The Redondo Beach Pier was closed as a safety precaution until at least 8 a.m. Wednesday due to extremely high winds and high surf. Tina Patel reports.

Los Angeles County is expected to enact its emergency winter motel voucher program to aid with the monumental task of housing as many people as they can as an especially frigid storm is expected to hit Southern California.

Already on Tuesday night, the temperature seemed to quickly drop forcing 48-year-old homeless resident Drew to endure a cold night in the Pasadena park he's called home for years.

"Well, I cover up best I can and just gonna have to deal with it," he said. "It's not fun, I'll tell you that. It's hard."

For the full article click here.

Store shelves previously home to space heaters were empty throughout the Southland on Tuesday evening as one of the coldest storms in recent memory moves into the area.

One KCAL-News viewer sent footage of the strong winds whipping through Harbor City.

With the massive storm expected to rock the Southland through the weekend, the National Weather Service has issued a series of weather watches, warnings and advisories for residents to look out for in coming days. 

For a full look at the potential impact your hometown may face, check out a list of the active weather advisories issued throughout Riverside, Orange, San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties here. 

More than 12,000 residents in Santa Barbara County are without power as the winter storm starts to bring high winds and lower temperatures. The power outages are not as severe in the rest of Southern California, with about 1,000 customers in Los Angeles without power. 

As of 10:30 p.m., SoCal Edison reported that the number of residents impacted by power outages in Santa Barbara had dropped, and that a little over 12,000 residents throughout the Southland remained impacted.

In an extremely rare turn of events with the storm sitting over Southern California, the National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for mountain ranges in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

The warning is expected to last through Thursday evening. 

The NWS warns of "low elevation snow, strong winds and very cold wind chills. For the Blizzard Warning, heavy snow with winds gusting up to 75 mph and near zero visibility."

For the latest weather advisories in Southern California click here.

The Grapevine, the commonly reference 40-mile stretch of the I-5 Freeway that stretches from northern Los Angeles County to Kern County, is often affected by winter storms, when snow begins to fall and create dangerous driving conditions. 

Many times in the past, California Highway Patrol officers have resorted to escorting vehicles through the pass when winter storms hit the area. 

This incoming storm appears to be no exception to that standard.

For more on the possible weather conditions facing the Grapevine, click here.