Storm leads to closure of 5 Freeway at the Grapevine

The 5 Freeway through the Tejon Pass — known as the Grapevine — was shut down just after midnight on Friday, Feb. 24, because of snow and poor visibility creating hazardous driving conditions.

The 5 was closed between Parker and Grapevine roads, said Officer Adriaan Garcia, a spokesman for the California Highway Patrol.

“It looks like a blizzard here now,” Garcia said.

CHP and Caltrans officials said it was unclear when the Grapevine would reopen.

Southern California coast battered by rain, wind

“We do have snow plows our there plowing and spreading sand,” said Marc Bischoff, a Caltrans spokesman.

🚨TRAVEL ADVISORY🚨

❄OPERATION SNOWFLAKE❄@CHPFortTejon & Caltrans have CLOSED I-5 through the Tejon Pass from a Grapevine Rd to Parker Rd. Closure duration unknown. US 101 is the alternate route. Limit your non-essential travel! See closures at https://t.co/cxZ0jW7S5n. pic.twitter.com/ZhY2R8ruto

— Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) February 24, 2023

Said Eric Menjivar, another Caltrans spokesman: “We’re advising motorists to reduce non-essential travel. And if they need to travel, we are advising (them) to use U.S. Route 101.”

State Route 58 is not an option because a portion of it is closed, while State Route 14 is open but hit hard with snow, Bischoff said.

Caltrans recommends avoiding the 14; the agency was spreading cinder and sand on the roadway to combat the weather.