Urgent winter weather message for Santa Barbara, Ventura counties
Potential for snow…ice…strong winds…and dangerous wind chills late this afternoon through Saturday morning across the north facing mountain slopes and Cuyama Valley.
Snow levels will remain above 8,000 feet through early morning in advance of a cold front. Behind the front…much colder air will spill into the interior sections of southwest California…with snow levels falling as low as 2000 feet tonight. This in combination with strong winds…icy roadways…and dangerous wind chill readings will bring the potential for treacherous driving conditions tonight through Saturday morning across the north facing slopes of the local mountains…including interstate 5 near the grapevine.
Santa Barbara county mountains-Ventura county mountains-Los Angeles county mountains excluding the Santa Monica range-including the cities of…San Marcos Pass…San Rafael wilderness area…Dick Smith wilderness area…Lockwood Valley…Mount Pinos…Acton…Mount Wilson…Sandberg.
Winter weather advisory now in effect from 2 pm this afternoon to 10 a.m. PST Saturday…
Snow levels…around 4,000 to 5,000 feet this afternoon…Lowering to between 2,000 and 3,000 feet tonight.
Snow amounts…1 to 3 inch accumulations…mainly on north facing slopes…including interstate 5 near the grapevine.
Winds…northwest winds increasing to between 25 and 35 mph with gusts to 55 mph…strongest through the Interstate 5 corridor and Santa Barbara mountains.
Visibilities…blowing snow and fog could reduce visibilities below one quarter mile at times.
Temperatures…lows in the teens and 20’s Friday night.
Wind chills…dangerous wind chill readings falling to around zero.
Main impacts
Strong winds…blowing snow…icy roadways… And dangerous wind chill readings could create treacherous driving conditions across Interstate 5 near the grapevine tonight.
Precautionary/preparedness actions
Be prepared for snow and ice covered roads and limited visibilities…and use caution while driving. Check the latest
road reports before departing. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle which includes a flashlight…food and water…extra clothes and blankets…and tire chains.
