Wet roads, icy temperatures, and an earthquake combined for an abrupt awakening for many Southern California residents on Tuesday afternoon. A short, but noticeable, earthquake shook Southern California near San Pedro, centered just off the coast about halfway to Catalina Island. Boasting a reasonable 3.9 magnitude, the earthquake only lasted a few seconds, but served as a reminder to Los Angeles area locals that it has been a while since we've had a major quake, and we are due to be hit some time in the near future.
Meanwhile, the very cold storm moving through drought-stricken Southern California left roads closed, motorists stranded and thousands without power as 6 inches of snow fell in some mountain areas.
Near Mr. Baldy, up to fifty vehicles wound up trapped by snow and icy roads. Mountain Highway 38 was shut down due to the storm, with the winter storm conditions due to continue through Wednesday, and into New Years Day. Highways 330 and 18 travel requires chains on all vehicles, except four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels.
Ortega Highway, the twisty road guilty of causing many wrecks, and the often used connector between Orange and Riverside counties, is closed from Grand Avenue in Lake Elsinore to the Orange County line due to snow and stuck vehicles.
Southbound lanes of the 15 Freeway in the Cajon Pass were shut down at Main Street in Hesperia because too many vehicles got stuck in the snow.
High winds are affecting travel on the 118 and 405 freeways north of Los Angeles, as well as along Interstate 5 between Lake Hughes and Fort Tejon near the top of the Grapevine.
Overnight Southern California Edison reported nearly 6,000 customers lost power. Here in Murrieta, power flickered a number of times overnight, but never remained out for any duration of time.
The harsh weather is in full force as folks line up along the Rose Parade route in Pasadena, hoping to keep their good viewing locations. For the annual parade, weather and earthquakes usually do not serve to be much of a deterrent to Rose Parade revelers.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
Earthquake: 3.9 quake strikes near San Pedro, Calif - Los Angeles Times
Magnitude 3.9 Quake Strikes off SoCal Coast - NBC Los Angeles
Year-End Storm Strands Drivers on Southern California Mountain Roads - NBC Los Angeles
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