Advertisement

I-5 at Grapevine closed as cold storm pounds Southern California

Share

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Interstate 5 at the Grapevine remained closed early Friday morning as a cold winter storm continued to pound Southern California.

The California Highway Patrol said the closure would be in effect at least until officers and Caltrans could evaluate road conditions later in the day. Northbound traffic was being diverted at Parker Road in Castaic, while southbound traffic was stopped at Grapevine Road in Lebec.

Advertisement

Heavy snow and icy roads stranded thousands of motorists on Thursday night, backing up traffic for miles.

PHOTOS: Cold front settles in Southland

‘A lot of wrecks is what I’m hearing from the truckers going by. ... That’s why we’re all at a stop like this,’ one driver said. ‘It’s crazy! I can’t believe this is happening right now,’ said another motorist as he sat parked in his car.

The cold winter blast is bringing temperatures that are near or below freezing to the valleys and mountain areas. Frost advisories remain in effect through Friday morning for the valleys of the Inland Empire and Ventura County coastal and interior valleys.

Additionally, frost advisories and freeze watches have been issued for Friday night into Saturday morning for much of the Southland. Many communities were also dealing with strong winds, with wind advisories in effect through early Friday for the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys.

Along the coast, a mix of high tides and strong winds Friday morning could cause minor flooding in low-lying areas, officials said. A coastal flood advisory remains in effect through 11 a.m. Saturday for Los Angeles and Ventura counties, as well as the Orange County coastal areas.

Advertisement

ALSO:

Taft classroom shooting: Police probe bullying, earlier threats

1 Nordstrom hostage sexually assaulted, 1 stabbed, police say

I-5 at Grapevine closed as cold storm pounds Southern California

-- From a Times staff writer

Advertisement