Snow fell overnight and into Thursday morning, Feb. 23, in parts of Southern California where snow is not often seen — but there did not appear to be any major road closures as a result.
The California Highway Patrol reported heavy snow in Yucaipa near County Line Road as well as in the Banning and Beaumont areas. Snow was seen in Rancho Cucamonga, and flurries were reported in Upland.
On Wednesday night at about 10:25, some 20 vehicles crashed on the westbound 10 Freeway in Calimesa, injuring eight people, Cal Fire reported. Witnesses said the road was icy. The lanes were closed until about 4 a.m.
Thursday morning, two big rigs were stuck in snow on Highway 371 in southwest Riverside County. Other vehicles were reported stuck in snow in the San Bernardino Mountains.
The 15 Freeway in the Cajon Pass was open Thursday morning, as was the 5 Freeway in the Grapevine — two vital gateways that can get shuttered in harsh weather.
Wednesday was the first day of what is expected to be one of the coldest, snowiest storm series in Southern California in recent memory. A blizzard warning was issued by the National Weather Service for the Los Angeles County mountains from 4 a.m. Friday through 4 a.m. Saturday. Also, blizzard-like conditions were forecast for the mountains in San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
The first storm is expected to end Thursday, followed by a second that should last through Saturday.
A high-surf advisory was issued for Southern California coastal areas.
Bear Valley Unified schools closed Thursday because of the snow.
Updates on road conditions are available on the Caltrans Quickmap: quickmap.dot.ca.gov.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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