Cold front brings 'thundersnow' to Southern California during winter storm
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. (KABC) -- "Thundersnow" in Southern California? That's exactly what the National Weather Service reported Tuesday as SoCal experiences a winter storm that's bringing a lot of snow to our local mountains.
An unusual thunderstorm that produces snow instead of rain is known as "thundersnow."
Two to three inches of snow fell Tuesday afternoon over Mountain High in Wrightwood located in San Bernardino County. People quickly got up to the resorts to enjoy the snow.
National Weather Service forecasters said the changing conditions were thanks to a cold low-pressure system that moved into the region from Northern California following a week of summer-like heat in the Southland.
"Rain and high-elevation snow is becoming more widespread this afternoon. You may even hear rumbles of thunder over the next few hours - I'M LOOKING AT YOU, THUNDERSNOW," tweeted NWS-San Diego.
NWS also says that a strong cold front in San Bernardino County will lower "snow levels down to 4,500 feet, small hail, and brief heavy snow expected to impact to Highways 330, 18, and 38 through 5 p.m."
And indeed, the blast of wintry weather continued to cause big trouble out on mountain roads.
In San Bernardino, Highway 18 was closed in both directions at Waterman Canyon due to the snow conditions. Several cars were seen stuck on the side of the road.
In Lake Arrowhead, snow plows were working to clear the streets. At least one accident was reported up in Crestline.
The low-pressure system will move out of the area by Wednesday, with warmer and drier conditions on tap for Thursday, according to the NWS.
City News Service contributed to this report
