Yes, you read the headline correctly: blizzard warnings issued in Southern California February 2023 by the National Weather Service due to a major winter storm which affects much of the western United States and southwestern Canada — so consider ensuring that you have alternate plans ready to be implemented in case your travels are adversely affected.
Blizzard Warnings Issued in Southern California February 2023
The following statement is currently posted at the official Internet web site of the National Weather Service of the United States:
Major Winter Storm Impacting California
Numerous weather hazards are expected today and Saturday across the Golden State, especially southern California, from a cold and vigorous winter storm. Heavy to excessive rainfall with flooding is very likely from Los Angeles to San Diego and dangerous and potentially life-threatening snow related impacts are likely for mountain, desert, and foothill roadways in southern California.
The map of the United States from the National Weather Service indicates that winter storm warnings, flash flood warnings, blizzard warnings, high wind warnings, avalanche warnings, freeze warnings, gale warnings, winter storm watches, winter weather advisories, and even high surf advisories have been issued for much of the west coast of the United States and southwestern Canada.
Although the higher elevations of the mountains of Southern California may experience accumulation of as much as 100 inches of snow in 24 hours as the result of the aforementioned blizzard — and snow has already fallen in some of the unlikeliest areas.
Southern California has braced for its coldest winter storm in years with low temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit in Los Angeles
Wind gusts have been measured as high as 98 miles per hour. Greater than 100,000 people are currently without electric power. Roads are closed in some areas; and flights have been affected.
A tornado warning was even issued for Casmalia.
Tornado Warning including Casmalia CA until 10:30 AM PST pic.twitter.com/cBk09ILa6p
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) February 24, 2023
The following map from the National Weather Service is for the greater San Diego metropolitan area — for snow.
Up to eight inches of snow is forecast in the mountains only a few miles north of the border which the United States shares with Mexico.
People have been reporting their experiences on social media — along with photographs and videos.
Here’s something you don’t see every day in the Central Valley of California:
Snow, up Del Puerto Canyon (only about 17 miles from my front yard in Patterson)! pic.twitter.com/oF7LMO0iES
— Chuck Marble (@C_Marb) February 24, 2023
Meanwhile in Venice, California #LosAngeles #CaliforniaSnow pic.twitter.com/EkMMwQ9h6z
— jase fletch (@Goonerfletch) February 24, 2023
The snow is piling up in the Frazier Mountain Communities #CAwx #CaliforniaSnow #Californiastorm #california #snow pic.twitter.com/ynshOvP0iE
— Katie – California LandBird….. (@CaLandBird) February 24, 2023
With snow levels rising, snow has turned to rain on the #TejonPass. Snow levels will lower again tonight to pass level, likely after 10pm. If you do not need to travel on this route, avoid it. Plan on more snow issues later tonight and tomorrow. #cawx #larain https://t.co/WxGONqxtvD
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) February 25, 2023
Interstate 80 is back OPEN to passenger vehicles (no trucks). Chain controls from Applegate to the @nevadadot state line. Thanks for your patience. Please slow down in snowy conditions. The speed limit is 30 mph in chain control areas. @CHP_Truckee @CHPAuburn @CHPGoldRun pic.twitter.com/ALtwKJP5lJ
— Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) February 24, 2023
https://twitter.com/juanitaincali/status/1628778888171241473
https://twitter.com/dvillasenorCA/status/1629253399425449986
Beautiful Southern California. #Snow #SoCal #Surprise pic.twitter.com/Q0ShRkmFCT
— ც ɧöɛɧŋ (@bheinous) February 23, 2023
Walking amongst Sequoia Giants#California #snow pic.twitter.com/2tPeMBo2ux
— Gabriele Corno (@Gabriele_Corno) December 22, 2020
https://twitter.com/AshLaoLive/status/1628954959764131841
Flight Waivers, Delays and Cancellations
If you are traveling to, from, or within the western United States and southwestern Canada over the next couple of days or so, expect delays and cancellations of flights. Keep up to date on the latest information pertaining to this winter weather system which may adversely affect your travel plans. Better yet, postponing or canceling your trip might be a better option — no matter which mode of travel you plan on taking.
If you have a flight scheduled, your flight may be delayed or canceled — and you may be eligible for a waiver of a fee to change your itinerary.
Here are nine airlines which have issued travel alerts as a result of this weather system:
- American Airlines has issued travel alerts for Reno and 16 airports in California for Thursday, February 23, 2023 through Friday, February 24, 2023; and Monday, February 27, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Delta Air Lines has issued travel alerts for six airports in California for Friday, February 24, 2023; and Monday, February 27, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Southwest Airlines has issued travel alerts for Portland and six airports in California for Friday, February 24, 2023; and Friday, March 10, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Alaska Airlines has issued a travel alert for Portland for Thursday, February 23, 2023 through Friday, February 24, 2023; and Tuesday, February 28, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- JetBlue Airways has issued travel alerts for four airports in California for Friday, February 24, 2023; and Monday, February 27, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Frontier Airlines has issued a travel alert for Portland for Thursday, February 23, 2023 through Friday, February 24, 2023.
- Air Canada has issued travel alerts for Victoria and Vancouver for Saturday, February 25, 2023 through Sunday, February 26, 2023.
- WestJet Airways has issued travel alerts for five airports in British Columbia for Saturday, February 25, 2023 through Sunday, February 26, 2023.
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has issued travel alerts for six airports in California for Friday, February 24, 2023; and Monday, February 27, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
Final Boarding Call
Be sure to contact your airline or transportation provider for the latest information pertaining to your travels — if they are adversely affected — and please: travel safely.
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.
