A winter storm that broke rainfall records over the weekend continued to move across California on Monday, bringing additional rain to the Southland and snow to mountains across the state, leading to weather advisories and hazardous road conditions.
After the first wave of the storm over the weekend, widespread showers and possible thunderstorms were expected through Monday morning before tapering off in the early afternoon. Additional rainfall between a tenth and a quarter of an inch was expected through Monday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service center in Oxnard. The foothills of the hills and the mountains of the valleys could see up to three quarters of an inch, the weather service said.
As the storm continued, a rockfall closed one of the entrances to Yosemite National Park.
Big Oak Flat Road, a continuation of Highway 120 from Manteca, was closed between the Foresta junction and Yosemite Valley, park officials said. The road may be closed for several days, and there is no access to the valley on Highway 120 from the west.
Snow is falling at the Snow Peak ski area in Big Bear.
(Lee Stockwell / Big Bear Mountain Resort)
Highways 140 and 41 to Yosemite are open, officials said, and drivers looking to enter Yosemite should call (209) 372-0200 for road conditions.
The storm did not break any rainfall records on Monday, but meteorologists noted that widespread rain Sunday broke records for the date in several cities.
Hollywood Burbank Airport saw 1.21 inches of rain Sunday, breaking the previous record of 1.09 inches set in 1996, according to the weather service. Lancaster saw 0.46 inches, breaking the previous record of 0.16 inches set in 1993. And Anaheim, with 1.33 inches, broke its 1994 record of 0.94 inches.
The cold air also brings snow to the mountains, including at lower elevations. Weather experts are predicting 1 to 4 inches of snow as low as 3,000 feet, and about 4 to 8 inches above 5,000 feet.
Up to 2 inches of snow is expected in the Grapevine foothills and Antelope Valley. Powder was already beginning to cling to the Tejon Pass and Grapevine area along Interstate 5 early Monday, the weather service said.
The weather service issued a winter storm warning until 10 p.m. Monday to the mountains of San Bernardino County and Riverside County above 5,000 feet. A winter weather advisory was in effect earlier Monday in the Santa Ana Mountains and foothills, where 1 to 6 inches of snow is expected above 4,000 feet, with snowfall as low as about 2,500 feet.
Snow in the Santa Ana Mountains is not a typical feature of “every storm,” said Casey Oswant, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego, who added that “some webcams at Santiago Peak [show] snow on the ground .”
He recorded Mt. Wilson 2 inches of snow as of Monday morning, weather experts said. Other snow totals include Snow Valley, with about 10 to 12 inches; Mountain High and Sugarloaf, each recording 5 inches; and Descanso with 1 inch, according to the National Weather Service in San Diego.
The weather service has also issued an icy notice between 2 a.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday due to freezing temperatures expected in the Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys, the inland Central Coast in Santa Barbara County, Lake Casitas, central and southeastern Ventura County, and the Santa Ynez and Ojai valleys.
Video from OnScene.TV early Sunday morning showed fresh powder accumulating along Highway 18 from Running Springs to Big Bear, where the tire chains of a large tour bus broke off and several other drivers, some with chains improperly installed or no chains at all, stuck. in the snow.
The Orange County Fire Authority responded to water rescue calls in the Santa Ana River in Orangewood Sunday morning, where a man was found in the river bed at Memory Lane, the OCFA said on Twitter. The man was pulled to safety and taken to hospital.
Anaheim Fire and Rescue said it responded to a call at 12:30 p.m. Sunday to a report of a body in the river channel in the 700 block of Loara Avenue. A man in his 30s was pronounced dead at the scene, said Sgt. Shane Carringer, Anaheim Fire spokesman. Authorities said there were no obvious signs that the death was a homicide.
Times staff writer Gregory Yee contributed to this report.
What is the best time of year to visit Yosemite?
The best times to visit Yosemite are May and September, when the park is accessible, but not crowded. It is important to know that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed for most of the year due to the snow.
How many days do you need in Yosemite? How many days to spend in Yosemite National Park? One day is enough to see all of Yosemite Valley, but 2-3 days are ideal if you want to take on some of the longer hikes or explore Glacier Point and Tioga Pass.
What months does it snow in Yosemite?
Most of Yosemite is covered in snow from about November to May. (Yosemite Valley can be rainy or snowy in any given winter storm.)
Is Yosemite better in spring or fall?
On the one hand, spring means overflowing waterfalls, rolling fields of fresh wildflowers, and a surge of new life throughout the park. On the other hand, visiting Yosemite in the fall means crisp nights and valleys ablaze with fall colors. Both seasons offer their fair share of stunning beauty and unforgettable adventure.
Is Yosemite worth visiting in the fall?
If you’re ready for a fall travel experience just a road trip away, Yosemite National Park should be at the top of your list. You’ll enjoy fewer crowds, mild temperatures perfect for hiking, fall color and affordable lodging options.
Is spring a good time to visit Yosemite?
Spring is the perfect time to visit the Park. Yosemite receives the vast majority of its visitors during the summer months. Warm, dry weather and most children leaving school means this is the best time to travel for most families. Summers often bring long lines and crowded trails to many of Yosemite’s popular attractions.
Is Yosemite better in winter or summer?
Winter is the best time of year to visit Yosemite for the least crowds. Much of Yosemite is covered in snow between November and May. These cold conditions prevent most visitors from coming to the park but offer a special experience to those who brave the elements.
Is Yosemite worth visiting in summer?
The hiking in Yosemite is world class and is perfect in July as most of the trails are open and the weather is near perfect. The park has over 800 miles of hiking trails, many of which lead to waterfalls, alpine lakes, or granite peaks.
Is it worth visiting Yosemite in winter?
Winter is a magical time to visit Yosemite, with opportunities for hiking, playing in the snow, and quiet tranquility.
Can you drive your car into Yosemite?
You can drive your car in and around Yosemite, although some roads are closed from around November to May/June and open roads may require tire chains from around October to April (depending on conditions ). You can use public transportation to get to and around Yosemite all year round.
What cars can you drive to Yosemite? So, what kind of car do you need to drive to Yosemite? Any car is fine, including AWD, 4×4, or even an SUV.
Do you have to pay to drive thru Yosemite?
Can you drive the 120 through Yosemite? Yes. According to the NPS website, drivers are allowed to drive through the park without paying a fee.
Can you enter Yosemite before 5am?
Yosemite National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
How much does it cost to drive into Yosemite?
| Description | Good for: | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Individual (on foot, on horseback, or by bus) | 7 Days, Yosemite National Park | $15 |
| A motorcycle | 7 Days, Yosemite National Park | $30 |
| Automotive | 7 Days, Yosemite National Park | $35 |
| Yosemite Pass (motorable) | Year, Yosemite National Park | $70 |
Can I drive into Yosemite without a reservation?
Other than the entrance fee, you don’t need a reservation or permit to visit Yosemite. However, you should have accommodation or a camping reservation if you plan to spend the night.
What city in California is closest to Yosemite?
One of the closest towns to Yosemite National Park El Portal is about 14 miles west of Yosemite Valley, along State Route 140. As one of several towns bordering Yosemite National park, it was once a terminus to the Yosemite Valley Railroad before becoming a gateway to the growing number of park visitors.