The coldest winter storm of the season is forecast to bring sleet and ice to mountains in Los Angeles County, the National Meteorological Service announced Monday.
Snow, ice, and winds of up to 40 mph are making driving conditions dangerous on Interstate 5 from Grapevine to Castaic, on Interstate 14 through Soledad Canyon, and on Interstate 33 through the Ventura County mountains.
Amongst the areas affected are mountainous areas of San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County, Ventura County and Los Angeles County with the exception of the Santa Monica Mountains.
The National Weather Administration says chain control is in place on high areas of the Sierra, including Interstate 80.
The National Weather Service expects the cold weather to spread around to Antelope Valley and Cuyama Valley as the storm approaches.
Officers are warning drivers to bring extra food, warm clothing and chains to keep tires on.
Now, the winter storm, which pushes down into the Sierra from the north-east but does not affect California, the coast, is already making it difficult to cross the passes of the Sierra Nevada.
The cool temperatures will be followed by a month and a half of rainfall across the region and much of the state near zero, and some record-breaking winter temperatures.
Chain controls now in effect over the summit areas of the Sierra Nevada (Interstate 80). Carry chains. Expect delays and poor driving conditions. Carry full fuel, warm clothing and extra food and water. #cawx pic.twitter.com/QJlx3tyndW
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) February 22, 2022
Wednesday will be the warmest day of the week with temperatures approaching near-record highs for the day #MAwx #RIwx #CTwx pic.twitter.com/4dXdF54GYH
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) February 22, 2022
[Winter Storm Potential] After near record highs Wed, much colder air works in & sets the stage for a Winter Storm very late Thu night-Fri. Precipitation types/amounts remain uncertain, but accumulating snow/ice are likely with the higher amounts favored in northern MA. pic.twitter.com/xXsABRI2qW
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) February 22, 2022
Friday: All of the models showing snow with best chance for 6+" from Rte. 2 northward. Models struggling a bit to the south, however. Should take a thump, but how much mixing determines amounts.
Example: Euro ensemble members w/ widely varying amounts around Taunton. pic.twitter.com/IaJLch5vAp
— A.J. Burnett (@WxManAJB) February 21, 2022
What can we say about the Friday storm potential? Looks like a thump of snow to start, but trouble will be figuring out how much mixing and where exactly the mixing gets to. Highest odds of 6"+ of snow are across northern MA/NH…lower chance of significant snow toward SE Mass. pic.twitter.com/gE1iPpoE7B
— Eric Fisher (@ericfisher) February 21, 2022
One model's output for probability of seeing greater than 3" and 6" of snow Friday…pretty high given how far out the threat is…That is about 50% of 6"+ in Boston…I think ice (sleet) could end up being a major factor in some areas pic.twitter.com/T6ByvaQDhp
— Terry Eliasen (@TerryWBZ) February 20, 2022
Enjoy the mild conditions & ☀️ today… watching for a potential late week storm to impact the area. pic.twitter.com/oHbGUmegap
— Sarah Wroblewski (@sarahwroblewski) February 21, 2022
Our @nbc10boston @necn Forecast System has been consistent the last few days on the Friday system with a broad area of 6"-12" snow. That said, I mentioned on-air today that if there's going to be a change as we get closer, probably would be to shift a bit north due to more mix. pic.twitter.com/AG3EiYjg05
— Matt Noyes NBC10 Boston & NECN (@MattNBCBoston) February 21, 2022
A spring-like day for your Monday as temperatures reach into the upper-40s at the coast and low-50s inland. This is nothing compared to the 60s we'll experience on Wednesday, though! (except along the coast). Much colder for everyone Thursday through the weekend. pic.twitter.com/zUibIefaX2
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) February 21, 2022
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