Eastern San Gabriel Mountains and Northern Ventura County Mountains under a winter storm warning until Friday morning
Eastern San Gabriel Mountains and Northern Ventura County Mountains are the focus of a winter storm warning issued at 1:13 a.m. on Thursday by the National Weather Service. The warning is in effect until Friday Feb. 20, at 7 a.m.
The NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA said, “Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of up to 4 inches between 3500 and 4500 feet, 6 to 12 inches for 4500 to 6000 feet, and 1 to 2 feet above 6000 feet. Wind gusts of up to 60 to 70 mph possible this afternoon through late tonight, and again late Wednesday night into Thursday morning.”
“Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could become treacherous. Visibilities may drop below one-quarter mile due to falling and blowing snow. Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines,” the NWS said. “Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order. Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”
Emergency alerts in Southern California
For “considerable or catastrophic” hazards, emergency alerts will be sent to all enabled mobile phones in the area. To monitor lesser risk, residents are advised to sign up for county alert systems and to monitor agencies’ social media. How to sign up for alerts in your area:
Winter driving essentials: Recommendations from the NWS for safe journeys
Winter weather can make driving treacherous, leading to over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and over 480,000 injuries each year. When traveling during snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. In near-freezing temperatures, it’s safest to assume that icy conditions exist on roadways and adjust your driving accordingly. Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards. If possible, avoid driving in such conditions. If you must venture out, opt for routes with fewer trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line, and immediately dial 911 if you come across one. Here are additional winter driving tips from the NWS:
Share your travel plans:
When venturing out of town in hazardous winter weather, be sure to inform family or friends of your destination, your intended route, and your estimated arrival time.
Prepare your vehicle:
Ensure your gas tank is full and equip your vehicle with essential winter supplies such as a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, extra warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.
Stay calm when stranded:
If you become stranded, stay composed. Notify someone about your situation and location. Avoid attempting to walk to safety. Attach a cloth to your car’s antenna or mirror to signal that you require assistance. Make your vehicle more visible by using the dome light and flashers.
Be mindful of snow plows:
Keep an eye out for snow plows and provide them with ample room to pass. Only overtake a plow when you have a clear view of the road ahead.
Check road conditions:
Before embarking on your journey, check the latest road conditions to make informed travel decisions.
Stay safe on wintry roads with these valuable winter driving tips from the NWS, and reduce the risk of accidents during challenging weather conditions.
For more local weather alerts, visit our Weather Advisory page