Winter storm leaves drivers stuck on Mt. Baldy
MOUNT BALDY, Calif. - After a chaotic night that left drivers stranded in the snow for hours after the first winter storm of the season, Mount Baldy Road in the Angeles National Forest was closed due to icy conditions, officials said Tuesday.
Weather reports indicate Mt. Baldy received four inches of fresh powder from the storm.
Authorities said many of those who became stuck did not come prepared and were not equipped with snow chains, which resulted in many vehicles skidding out, spinning, and hitting each other.
On Tuesday, many of Southern California’s mountain communities were requiring tire chains.
Despite the hazardous conditions, people were spotted trying to make their way up to Mt. Baldy. Visitors told FOX 11's Christina Gonzalez that they made the drive to enjoy fresh snow, even as cars around them are being cleared from the side of the road.
"It took us almost 3 hours today," said one driver on Tuesday afternoon. "We ended up getting stuck, so we had to go get chains after we got pulled out."
CHP is still counting how many vehicles ended up abandoned on the side of the road. But they expect more crowds for the rest of the week.
Don’t forget to check road conditions, and keep the tank full of gas, plus food and water. You never know how long you could be stranded.
FOX 11's Christina Gonzalez contributed to this report.
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