The California Highway Patrol is warning drivers that up to 3 inches of snow could fall on the Grapevine as a cold winter storm moves into the region, creating potentially dangerous travel conditions.
Traffic on Interstate 5 through the Grapevine remained smooth Tuesday, but officers urged drivers to stay alert.
Authorities are warning drivers that up to 3 inches of snow could fall on the Grapevine as a storm moves into the region, creating potentially dangerous travel conditions.
“Once we start getting significant amount of snow on the roadway, obviously it becomes a little bit more dangerous as far as stopping distances and speed. We do get a significant amount of crashes increasing in the area,” CHP Officer Carlos Burgos Lopez said.
Officials said snowfall could force a shutdown of the Grapevine or require officers to escort drivers.
A fresh layer of snow covered the hills above Lebec, and snow levels were expected to fall to 3,000 feet overnight, raising concerns about rapidly worsening conditions.
In addition to snow, light rain and dropping temperatures could create black ice.
Caltrans crews plan to monitor the storm and clear roads as conditions allow.