Snow Closes Roads in Antelope Valley

The winter storm that brought rain, snow, thunder and lightning to the Los Angeles area trailed eastward early Wednesday, but on the way out it dropped more snow in the Antelope Valley, where highways had to be closed and school classes canceled.

Although the intense snow flurries were over by sunup, California Highway Patrol Officer Scott McKnight said pavements remained hazardous until 9 a.m., when the Antelope Valley Freeway between Shadow Pines Boulevard in Canyon Country and Palmdale Boulevard in Palmdale was reopened to vehicles with chains. California 138 was reopened a short time later.

Five area school districts kept classroom doors closed because the roads were too dangerous for school buses. Snow was reported three or four inches deep.

Traffic Fatality

McKnight said a 21-year-old Pearblossom man, Isaac Pardo, 21, was killed on California 138 near 133rd Street East in Pearblossom when the car in which he was a passenger went out of control during a 7 a.m. snowfall and skidded into an oncoming car on the icy road.

Snow and ice also prompted the CHP to close Mt. Baldy Road to all but residents of Mt. Baldy Village, but it was reopened after a couple of hours with chains required.

Chains also were required in the Cajon Pass and in the San Bernardino Mountains above 2,500 feet.

As the storm moved eastward, it also dropped snow on Las Vegas. Phoenix recorded its first measurable snowfall since 1939.

The National Weather Service said there will be local gusty north-to-northeast winds 25 to 35 m.p.h. today in the Los Angeles area, decreasing tonight. Today should have high temperatures 56 to 66 degrees following Wednesday’s downtown high of 59. Nights will remain cold, with lows near 28 in the chillier areas.

A travelers advisory was in effect for Southland mountains Wednesday night and today because of strong winds 35 to 45 m.p.h.