A blizzard warning was issued in Los Angeles and Ventura counties’ mountain regions amid an “unusual” winter storm event, meteorologists said Feb. 22.
National Ocean and Atmospheric AdministrationTwo typically sunny Southern California counties may receive a dangerous amount of wind and snow following the “unusual” winter storm event that’s expected to bring powerful winds, light rain and bone-chilling frost to the region, officials said Wednesday.
The Los Angeles National Weather Service office issued a blizzard warning for Los Angeles and Ventura counties Wednesday morning. The agency said it believes it’s the first such warning ever issued by the LA area office.
— NWSLosAngeles Twitter
This weekend, “heavy snow with wind gusting up to 75 mph and near zero visibility” could make traveling through the counties’ mountain regions “very difficult to impossible,” an urgent NWS weather message reads. The unincorporated communities of Lockwood Valley and Acton are also under a blizzard warning, along with Mount Pinos and Mount Wilson. Areas above 4,000 feet could see up to 5 feet of snow by Saturday evening, and areas with higher elevations could even receive close to 7 feet. “Mountain travel will be a mess,” NWS officials said.
The advisory is in place from Friday at 4 a.m. to Saturday at 4 p.m.
“This is a rare event,” NWS meteorologist Eric Boldt told SFGATE. “We’re talking about heavy snow rates, so the snow that comes down could accumulate very rapidly — inches per hour.”
These “tremendous” amounts of heavy snow — combined with persistent 35 mph winds — create dangerous whiteout conditions, Boldt said. Experts advise people to stay home this weekend, but anyone who absolutely must travel through the area is advised to bring a flashlight, food and water in their vehicle in case of an emergency.
“You have to be prepared if you’re doing any traveling,” Boldt continued. “Some people are not aware of how dangerous it could be.”
For up-to-date information on Los Angeles County weather conditions, refer to the National Weather Service website.