Winter Storm Warning Issued for Santa Barbara and Ventura County Mountains, I-5 Corridor

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard CA has issued a Winter Storm Warning for portions of Southern California. The alert is effective starting at 9:00 PM PST this evening and remains in place until 7:00 AM PST Friday.

Affected Areas

The following geographic regions are included in the warning area:

• Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains
• Southern Ventura County Mountains
• Interstate 5 Corridor (including the Grapevine)

Expected Conditions

Significant winter weather hazards are anticipated, including heavy snow and dangerous winds:

• Snow Accumulations: 1 to 4 inches are possible for elevations between 3,500 and 4,500 feet, including the Grapevine of the Interstate-5 Corridor. Higher elevations above 4,500 feet could see total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches.
• Wind Speeds: Wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph are possible this afternoon through late tonight, and again from late Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
• Visibility: Falling and blowing snow may cause visibilities to drop below one-quarter mile.
• Road Conditions: Roads, bridges, and overpasses are likely to become slick and hazardous, making travel treacherous.

What You Should Do

If travel is absolutely necessary, the National Weather Service advises driving with extreme caution. Residents and travelers should:

• Be prepared for sudden changes in visibility.
• Leave plenty of room between vehicles and allow extra time to reach your destination.
• Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, particularly on hills or when making turns.
• Ensure your vehicle is winterized and in good working order.
• Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on the situation.

Timeline

The Winter Storm Warning begins at 9:00 PM PST on Tuesday, February 17, and is currently scheduled to expire at 7:00 AM PST on Friday, February 20.