Page 25 - Tejon Pass News Today

A storm continued to pound California with snow and rain, shutting down freeways, including the 5 through the Grapevine, as blizzard warnings took effect.

Following rare blizzard warnings in Southern California counties, plus snowfall at unusually low levels, Interstate 5 has been closed in both directions over the Grapevine.

The I-5 through the Tejon Pass closed pre-dawn due to road conditions. Evacuation warnings have been issued.

Interstate 5 was closed south of the Oregon border as snow fell to the floor of the Sacramento Valley and in a high mountain pass north of Los Angeles.

Weather experts said that the mountains around Los Angeles would get 5 feet (1.5 meters) of snow, which could cause whiteouts and avalanches.

Parts of the Palm Springs area saw light rain overnight Thursday, with most concentrated in the western areas near the San Gorgonio Pass.

"It's got the cold air, it's got the moisture, it's got strong winds," one forecaster said. "It's an ideal situation for a big weather maker with huge impacts."

Southern California mountains are under a rare blizzard warning, while the foothills could become a winter wonderland.

The intensity is only expected to increase. A flash flood warning will go into effect early Friday through Saturday from Santa Barbara to L.A.

High winds, high surface, snow and ice at unusually low elevations. Buckle in.