It’s snowing [as of Monday morning], and we can expect continued winter weather this week. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning, which will be in effect for our area through 3am on Tuesday. Snow levels are as low as 5,000 feet and, with the possibility of wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour, the blowing of snow could result in blizzard-like conditions. (For updated weather information, tune in to KBHR’s weather report with Ben Brissey at quarter after the hour, every hour on 93.3 FM.)
And, given the snowfall and likelihood of its continuing, CalTrans has issued R2 chain requirements for Highway 38, Highway 18 down the front way, as well as Highway 330, and roads within the Big Bear Valley. R2 means that you must have chains on the drive wheels of your vehicle—unless in a four wheel drive with snow tires on all four wheels and carrying chains. At present, there are no chain restrictions on Highway 18 en route to the desert communities. But, again, chains are required on all vehicles—unless in a four-wheel drive with snow tires—on Highways 18, 38, 330, and roads within the Big Bear Valley. Also, it is the law to carry chains when traveling in the mountains during the winter months. If stopping to put on chains, please be sure you are safely out of the roadway before doing so. Snow conditions are in effect as of this morning, so no parking on city streets to allow for snowplowing operations.
Update: R2 chain requirements are also in place for Highway 18 en route to Lucerne Valley.
