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Mountain Travel Halted: I-5 and Highway 2 Closed

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  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 6:44 GMT by Los Angeles Daily News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Mountain Travel Virtually Halted

The situation in the mountainous areas is now considered critical. Significant portions of Interstate 5, near the Grapevine, remain completely impassable, effectively severing a major north-south transportation artery. Highway 2 is also closed indefinitely, with no estimated time for reopening. Caltrans crews are facing immense difficulties in clearing snow due to the continued accumulation and the risk of avalanches in steeper terrain. Chain controls, even for four-wheel drive vehicles, are now in effect across a vast network of mountain roads, but even these precautions are proving insufficient for many motorists.

"We're seeing snowfalls that haven't been recorded in these amounts for over a decade," stated Maria Hernandez, a spokesperson for Caltrans District 7. "The volume of snow, combined with the ongoing precipitation, is overwhelming our resources. We strongly advise against any non-essential travel into the mountains. Attempts to circumvent closures are putting both motorists and our crews at risk." Hernandez further stated that avalanche risk is extremely high, and specialized teams are on standby to respond to potential slides.

Coastal Communities Battling Flooding and Wind Damage

While the mountains bear the brunt of the snowfall, coastal communities are contending with a different set of challenges. Prolonged periods of heavy rainfall have led to localized flooding in low-lying areas, including parts of Long Beach, Huntington Beach, and coastal sections of Orange County. Rising sea levels, coupled with storm surge, have exacerbated the flooding, causing damage to beachfront properties and infrastructure. Sustained winds, gusting up to 70 mph in exposed areas, are toppling trees and causing widespread power outages.

Power Grid Strained as Outages Multiply

The number of power outages has skyrocketed over the past 24 hours, impacting over 350,000 customers across Southern California. Southern California Edison (SCE) and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) are reporting that falling tree limbs, saturated ground, and damaged power lines are the primary causes of the outages. Restoration efforts are hampered by the ongoing storm, making it difficult for crews to safely access and repair damaged infrastructure. SCE officials warn that some areas, particularly those in remote mountainous regions, could experience prolonged outages lasting up to 72 hours or more.

Long-Term Concerns and Future Preparedness

This storm is prompting a renewed discussion about infrastructure resilience in Southern California. Experts are questioning the adequacy of current drainage systems to handle increasingly intense rainfall events, and the vulnerability of the power grid to extreme weather. The rising snow levels, while concerning in the short term, also raise questions about the long-term impact on the region's water supply. While the immediate focus is on safety and recovery, officials acknowledge the need for significant investment in infrastructure improvements to prepare for future climate-related challenges.

Staying Informed The National Weather Service has extended its Winter Storm Warning and Flood Advisory through Tuesday evening. Residents are urged to monitor local news and weather reports, heed all travel advisories, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families. Resources are available on the Caltrans website (https://www.dot.ca.gov/), the National Weather Service website (https://www.weather.gov/), and the websites of SCE (https://www.sce.com/) and SDG&E (https://www.sdge.com/).