Buses, Trucks, Cars Stuck In Mountain Snow On Inland Empire Highway

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Snow and rain from this week's storm has caused headaches on several mountain highways in the Inland Empire.

Multiple vehicles — including charter buses, a semi-truck and cars — were stuck in snow on state Route 18 Wednesday.

The highway serves as a primary route into the San Bernardino Mountains, both from the Riverside-San Bernardino metropolitan area from the south and the Mojave Desert from the north.

At approximately 12:15 p.m., the California Highway Patrol said the highway was being closed to upbound traffic so workers could get the vehicles out. Downbound lanes were blocked due to stuck charter buses.

There was no update on when the road might reopen.

Chains are required on the highway.

Snow levels are currently down to around 4,000 feet and accumulation exceeds 14 inches at some levels, according to the NWS.

Another weak low-pressure system from the north is expected to bring more snow Thursday through early Friday.

A winter storm warning remains in effect in local mountains through 8 a.m. Thursday, the NWS reported. A flood watch is also in effect through 6 a.m. Thursday.

Additionally, state Route 138 from Wagon Train Road to state Route 173 is closed in both directions due to flooding.

The east-west highway follows the northern foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and the western Mojave Desert.

If you are planning travel, visit Caltrans here for updated information on road closures.