Authorities closed the Grapevine section of the 5 Freeway north of Los Angeles early Friday as a powerful winter storm hits southern California.
Both sides of the freeway were closed by Badger Pass in northern Los Angeles County. The closure will continue until conditions improve.
A cold storm is expected to bring more snow and rain Friday and Saturday. The mountains of Los Angeles County are under blizzard warning for the first time since 1989.
Blizzard advisories, indicating snow or blowing snow, reduced visibility and sustained winds of 35 mph or more, are in effect for the mountains of Los Angeles, Ventura and San Bernardino counties through Saturday afternoon .
Areas under blizzard warnings include Mount Wilson, the Grapevine section of Highway 5, Acton, Mount Pinos and Frazier Park. Travel is strongly discouraged in the mountains of Southern California.
2 to 5 feet of snow above 5,000 feet is expected by Saturday as the storm continues to batter the region. Some areas can reach 7 feet.
Snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are possible by Saturday evening at elevations as low as 2,000 feet.