Snow, Hail Snarl Traffic, Close Freeway

Heavy snow and hail blanketed parts of northern Los Angeles County early Monday afternoon, causing several accidents and snarling traffic, authorities said.

A 40-mile stretch of the Golden State Freeway from Lake Hughes Road to Laval Road was closed about 2 p.m. because of snow and icy conditions, authorities said.

At Escondido Summit on the Antelope Valley Freeway, traffic slowed to a crawl as drivers struggled to see taillights in front of them. Heavy snow flurries and low clouds forced several truck drivers to pull to the side of the road to wait out the storm.

Construction of a commuter lane had been halted, but traffic was still funneled into two lanes in the areas, causing additional delays. Exit and warning signs were partially obscured by snow.

In the San Fernando Valley, hail kept about 20 volunteers for 3rd City Council District candidate Francine Oschin’s campaign from going door-to-door with fliers. After waiting out the storm for several hours at Oschin’s Reseda headquarters, the crew continued its canvassing.