Snowstorm Leaves Hundreds Of Cars Stuck On Highway 38 Near Big Bear

NEAR BIG BEAR (CBSLA) – Hundreds of drivers got trapped on Highway 38 overnight Sunday near Big Bear due to slick, icy conditions.

California Highway Patrol reported that up to 600 vehicles got stuck on the San Bernardino Mountain highway between Angelus Oaks and Big Bear.

Caltrans was unable to get snow plows up through the highway until 3 a.m. Monday, forcing many drivers to abandon their cars and return later.

CBS2 caught up with one man Monday morning who had to dig out his car from the snow.

"We're hoping, it's sunny this morning, that we'll be able to get out," Alex Vesling told CBS2. "We're all throwing on chains and just preparing to do what we need to do."

Drivers on Highway 18 also had to contend with snowy, slushy conditions.

As of noon, both the 38 and 18 highways were open, but Caltrans was advising people to avoid both if possible. Drivers who do decide to brave the highways must have either four-wheel drive or chains.

There were no reports of any injuries.

Meanwhile, the 5 Freeway through the Grapevine was also shut down Sunday night. Both sides of the freeway were fully reopened by 11 a.m. Monday.

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