Snow Atlanta December 8 2017
Photograph ©2017 by Brian Cohen.

Blizzard Warnings Issued in Southern California February 2023

It may never rain in Southern California — but it snows?

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.

February 24 2023
Source: National Weather Service of the United States.

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.

 

The following map from the National Weather Service is for the greater San Diego metropolitan area — for snow.

February 24 2023
Source: National Weather Service of the United States.

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.

https://twitter.com/juanitaincali/status/1628778888171241473

https://twitter.com/dvillasenorCA/status/1629253399425449986

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:

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.

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