Weather Advisories for Monday, February 16

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect through this afternoon. Flash flooding is a potentially dangerous situation, so monitor weather forecasts. A Winter Storm Warning continues through midnight, which means significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice are expected. Strong winds are also possible, making travel very hazardous. If you do hit the road, make sure all cell phones are charged, pack your vehicle wi
th water, blankets and any necessary medication, and advise friends and family of your plans. Travelers can expect highway traffic to be slow.
Off-road travel is definitely discouraged. Last year, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department responded to over 400 search and rescue calls and many of them were due to off road travel and even backcountry skiing and snowboarding.
The law requires ALL drivers to carry chains – including four-wheel drive vehicles — regardless of current chain controls. Recent storms have created road conditions necessitating R3 control, which means that even 4WDs must chain up. Motorists must find a safe place off the roadway to put on chains. Law enforcement officers will be patrolling both commercial and residential areas and issuing citations for installing chains in traffic or parking in the road and blocking snow removal operations.