Los Angeles County is included in a winter storm watch issued by the National Weather Service on Monday at 1 p.m. The watch is in effect until Friday, Mar. 14 at noon.
According to the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA, “Heavy snow possible with 12 to 24 inches possible above 6500 – 7000 feet, 6 – 12 inches 5500 – 7000, 1-5 inches 4000-5500 feet, and up to an inch as low as 3000 feet. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph.”
“Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches and cause power outages,” according to the NWS. “Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.”
The full list of affected locations includes:
- 5 Freeway corridor near Santa Clarita
- Western San Gabriel Mountains/Highway 14 Corridor
- Eastern San Gabriel Mountains
- Western Antelope Valley Foothills
- Eastern Antelope Valley Foothills
- Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains
- Southern Ventura County Mountains
- Northern Ventura County Mountains
Winter driving essentials: Recommendations from the NWS for safe journeys
Winter weather can make driving treacherous, leading to over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and over 480,000 injuries each year. When traveling during snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. In near-freezing temperatures, it’s safest to assume that icy conditions exist on roadways and adjust your driving accordingly. Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards. If possible, avoid driving in such conditions. If you must venture out, opt for routes with fewer trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line, and immediately dial 911 if you come across one. Here are additional winter weather driving tips:
Share your travel plans:
When traveling out of town in hazardous winter weather, inform your family or friends of your destination, planned route, and estimated time of arrival.
Prepare your vehicle:
Ensure your gas tank is full and equip your vehicle with essential winter supplies such as a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, extra warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.
Stay calm when stranded:
If you become stranded, stay composed. Notify someone about your situation and location. Avoid attempting to walk to safety. Attach a cloth to your car’s antenna or mirror to signal that you require assistance. Make your vehicle more visible by using the dome light and flashers.
Be mindful of snow plows:
Keep an eye out for snow plows and allow them ample room to pass. Only overtake a plow when you have a clear view of the road ahead.
Check road conditions:
Before embarking on your journey, verify the current road conditions to make informed travel decisions.
Stay safe on wintry roads with these valuable winter driving tips from the NWS, and reduce the risk of accidents during challenging weather conditions.