(KGTV) – The California Highway Patrol is urging motorists to use caution as they travel on roadways leading to San Diego County’s mountains following a strong winter storm.
A cold wintry storm Thursday brought to snowfall in the mountains, particularly in the East County, and led to a shutdown of Interstate 8 and state Route 79 to and from the area that lasted several hours.
Despite the storm moving out of the region and good weather conditions on Friday morning, CHP officials said drivers heading into the mountains this weekend should slow down and have chains handy. The chain control was lifted about 3:45 p.m.
LATEST FORECAST | CHECK TRAFFIC
.@CALFIRESANDIEGO has responded to several ice related traffic collisions in the area of Pine Valley and Descanso this morning. Conditions are not expected to improve until later this morning so please slow down and drive with caution if you plan on driving along I-8. pic.twitter.com/F11STBSNGi
— CAL FIRE/SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) December 27, 2019
The California Highway Patrol issued "snow etiquette" reminders for anyone heading to the mountains. They included the following guidelines:
- Park only where legally allowed, and do not block roadway access for emergency vehicles. Vehicles blocking any part of the roadway may be cited and/or towed.
- There is limited public locations to enjoy the snow. Trespassing onto private property to enjoy the snow is not allowed and violators will be cited or arrested.
- There is limited or no access to restroom facilities at many of the locations that are frequented when snow is present.
- The public is reminded to remove any trash they produce and return with it as waste receptacle space will be limited.
Iris Hrabe, who was on her way to Mount Laguna with her husband, told 10News, "We don't want to end up on the side of the road. We've pushed people out before, so it's better to be safe."
10News Meteorologist Megan Parry’s forecast for the weekend calls for dry conditions with cooler temperatures, but more rainfall and snow is expected on Monday.
