Dead Driver I5 in Gorman

I dont think it was weather related. Probably a heart attack.

I cant believe they shut down the freeway. I have seen worse conditions before...this is nothing compared to the rockies, or midwest

 

Yeah, better to have it happen there than cruising down the road.

 

You can't compare it to the rockies or midwest. Unlike those areas where bad weather comes in slowly and and is expected, Southern California is sunny and dry 95% of the time and when bad weather comes in it comes in from the Pacific ocean unexpectedly and goes away just as fast. Going from dry sea level desert to 8,000 ft mountain snow in less than 30 minutes can catch drivers off guard and cluster f&kks will ensue.
In Northern California and the Sierras where bad winter weather is the norm the roads are left open longer because the drivers there are used to it and are prepared to deal with it.

 

CA doesn't get the same weather warnings that the rest of us get farther East. There are not a lot of radar station west of CA so they get satellite details and a short radar warning of what's coming. Everywhere else can get 1-2 days or week of warning about what is coming toward them.

I ignore forecasts and watch radar. Forecasts will predict 20 of the last 5 storms while radar shows you what is happening now. As long as you can find your location on a radar map you can see what is happening now "over there" which will be your "now" when it gets to you. IMO forecasts are the best guess of the professionals, but they are wrong enough to just be one input into my calculations. If you are going to consume forecast info don't waste your time with local TV/radio personalities. EVERYTHING mildly unpleasant will be shouted as the end of the world. The NWS forecasts are less sensational.

The one exception is forecasts of snowfall in snowfall prone areas. The forecasters in those areas get enough snow under enough differing conditions to be pretty accurate. Snow is the most unpredictable widespread weather phenomenon. Forecasts of snow in the South or Southeast are just a measure of the panic those people will demonstrate when it snows. If Atlanta gets very little snow, then ANY forecast of snow becomes "We can expect 1-3 inches by X with widespread black ice possible for 6 months afterwards."

 

medical perhaps, not froze to death, most likely did not starve to death either.

i believe most every one carries snack foods, and water, maybe juices, sodas, as these are "staples" .

but yes, sleeping bag, an extra blanket, thermal underwear/socks, heavy coats, boots, i'd fully agree, as well as some cookies, crackers, peanut butter, enough to get thru a shutdown.

sad situation, on Christmas night. RIP driver.

 

Does anyone know when the 5 freeway will open again at tejon pass/grapevine?

It stopped snowing hours ago and they have not opened it...ffs

 

Follow these guys on Facebook. They update often during these storms.

CHP-Fort Tejon/Grapevine

 

Have to agree with you. I'll sleep, or up til last year, I'd sleep with it shut off down to the high teens. I doubt that it gets that cold there.