Brace For Blizzard Conditions As Up To 12 Inches Of Snow Predicted In Grapevine

Posted by: Louie Diaz in Santa Clarita Latest News, Weather February 22, 2023 - 12:25 pm 0 2,323 Views

Blizzard conditions are expected in the Los Angeles County Mountains later this week, as snow is expected for the Grapevine and the Santa Clarita Valley.

With a cold front moving over the Santa Clarita Valley, snow is expected throughout the area and the Grapevine, said Lisa Phillips, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

“(Wednesday) we will have gusty winds as a cold front sweeps through the area, with snow levels dropping down to 1,000 to 2,000 feet,” Phillips said.

One of the lowest points in our Santa Clarita Valley is the Castaic Junction near the 5 Freeway and Highway 126 interchange, which is just above 1,000 feet, according to officials.

Conditions are expected to remain dry Wednesday, despite the low snow levels.

“As we get into Thursday, we will start to see more and more precipitation with lower snow levels,” Phillips said.

Friday is when the storm is expected to be the strongest, with significant snow accumulations.

During the storm, 6 to 12 inches of snow is possible to fall between the 2,500 and 4,000-foot levels, which would impact travel through the Grapevine, according to officials.

Parts of the Santa Clarita Valley could also get a dusting of snow with some areas expected to see up to an inch, Phillips said.

Due to gusty winds and significant snow fall in the mountains and through the passes, visibility is expected to be below a quarter mile, resulting in a blizzard warning being put into place.

Officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Newhall Area Office and crews with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are ready to implement “Operation Snowflake” if and when the Grapevine does shut down.

“First and foremost slow down, motorists seem to drive way too fast in nice weather, add snow, ice and water and the speeds need to slow down dramatically,” said Officer Josh Greengard, spokesperson for the CHP Newhall Area Office.

For anyone needing to travel during the storm, CHP officials are encouraging motorists to:

Give yourself time to get to your destination.
Try and drive with as close as you can to a full tank of gas.
Carry an extra jacket in your
vehicle.
Be alert of traffic management signs or electronic signs on the freeway.

With highs only reaching the mid-40s for the rest of the week, health officials are offering safety tips to stay safe.

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use a generator inside a home, shed or garage even if doors and windows are open. Keep generators outside and far away from windows, doors and vents.
Never use charcoal grills or camp stoves indoors. Deaths have occurred after people burned charcoal or used camp stoves in enclosed spaces, which produced lethal levels of carbon monoxide.
Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
Do not touch or approach a downed power line; call 911 if you see a downed or damaged electrical line.
Avoid using candles. If possible, use flashlights instead. If you must use candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire. Never leave burning candles unattended or near children or bedding. Extinguish candles when you leave the room.
Have a plan for back-up power if you or someone in your family is dependent on electricity for medical devices.
Wear layers and have blankets available to add additional warmth. Layers will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater. Stay dry to avoid hypothermia.
If it is safe, check on neighbors who may need assistance — older adults, people with disabilities and young children are more at risk in extreme cold.*

“This unusual winter storm forecast for later this week is expected to bring cold weather, strong winds, and rain and snow. Please take precautions to ensure you, your loved ones and your neighbors are staying safe and warm,” said Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis, MD, MPH. “The most vulnerable people to the cold are children, the elderly, those with disabilities, and those with special medical needs. If you need a warm place to stay, there are shelters and other public facilities available to help keep you safe, warm and dry.”

To get up-to-the-minute traffic conditions, click here.