BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — As another round of storm weather threatens Southern and Central California roads, Caltrans crews have been preparing since this past weekend, prepositioning equipment and clearing infrastructure in areas prone to flooding and snow.
“Maintenance crews are on standby for flooding and reflow at any other storm that may occur on Caltrans highway and state roads,” said Colleen Park, a public information officer for Caltrans District 7 in Los Angeles.
A winter storm in Kern County on February 16, 2026. KBAK/KBFX
Park said crews have been staging plows and water pumps in flood-prone locations. “Crews have been clearing out storm drains and laying sandbags to redirect water,” she said.
Caltrans is also monitoring mountain routes and preparing to remove snow and close roads if conditions become too icy. One of the areas crews cover is the Grapevine. “If conditions become too icy and cars are prone to sliding, we might close the roadway,” Park said.
Strong weather impacting Grapevine, drivers urged to slow down as crashes begin (Photo: CHP Fort Tejon)
Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol’s Fort Tejon office said they are continuing to monitor conditions.
With many students relying on those same roadways to get to school, districts are also watching the forecast closely. The Kern County superintendent of schools said decisions to delay or cancel classes are made by individual districts.
All three schools in the El Tejon Unified School District were closed today due to snow and ice, according to the district. Officials said transportation crews head out before sunrise to drive mountain roads and check for snow and ice. If conditions are icy, the district calls a two-hour delay before buses roll out. If roads are still unsafe, school is canceled for the day.
A winter storm in Kern County on February 16, 2026. KBAK/KBFX
Parents are notified through calls, texts, email and Kern Alert. Officials said weather can change quickly and early releases are possible if conditions worsen during the day.
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Caltrans urged drivers to slow down, leave extra space, and check road conditions before heading out.