KTLA

Winter storm shuts down the Grapevine

The Grapevine was again closed down Saturday morning due to snow, this time at Lake Hughes Road.

As of Saturday morning, California Highway Patrol units are stationed on the northbound side of the 5 Freeway, ordering drivers to turn around and head back southward towards Los Angeles.


“It is unknown at this time when the Grapevine will be reopen. Crews are working diligently to remove snow and ice from the road,” the CHP Fort Tejon Area said on Twitter.

The California Highway Patrol provided this photo of the snow and ice that closed the Grapevine on Feb. 25, 2023.

This follows Friday’s closure, when authorities shut down a roughly 20-mile stretch of the 5 Freeway in both directions due to severe, icy conditions.

An army of Caltrans snowplows worked to clear the roads while salting the pavement.

SoCal residents are doing their best to weather the storm while staying safe on the roads.

Northridge resident Daniel Lopez drove up to Frazier Park with friends for the weekend but was shocked by the conditions they met along the way.

“We weren’t expecting this at all,” said Lopez.

After being stuck in traffic that was backed up for miles, Lopez finally made it to his destination in Lebec but decided to play it safe by installing tire chains before heading up to higher elevations. 

“With the rain, we got stuck for a little bit and we started to panic and we were actually about to get out and push the car but luckily we made it out,” said Lopez. 

Other drivers heading north over the pass weren’t so lucky though and were forced to turn around at Parker Road in Castaic.

“I’m looking for an alternate route,” said Ruth Howrey, a frustrated driver. “I just want to go home.”

“I’m stuck,” a truck driver told KTLA. “I parked right over there and I’ve been here for a little over three hours.”

By 5 p.m. Friday night, the Grapevine was reopened again, but heavy rain and snow continued falling while temperatures also continued dropping, leading to a fresh closure on Saturday.

“Just make sure you pack extra in case of an emergency and you get stuck,” advised Lopez. “And make sure you have other people with you so they can help you.”

Drivers are advised to avoid the Grapevine this weekend if possible and seek an alternate route of travel. Authorities are actively monitoring the situation.

A winter storm warning remains in effect until at least 4 p.m. on Saturday, although closures can happen at any time if conditions become too severe, said CHP.