Highway 17 Closed As Powerful Winter Storm Unloads On Region

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Highway 17 is closed in both directions from Granite Creek Rd. to the Santa Cruz/Santa Clara Co line (Summit Road) as a powerful winter storm is bringing snow, high winds, rain and hail to the region.

Crews are clearing snow and responding to multiple downed trees on the highway, Caltrans said.

There is no estimated time of reopening.

Numerous weather hazards are expected through Saturday across the Golden State, especially southern California, from a cold and vigorous winter storm, according to the National Weather Service.

Heavy to excessive rainfall with flooding is very likely from Los Angeles to San Diego and dangerous and potentially life-threatening snow related impacts are likely for mountain, desert, and foothill roadways in southern California.

In the Bay Area, Friday will be partly cloudy with showers likely in the morning.

There will be a slight chance of thunderstorms. Highs will be in the upper 40s. Southwest winds will be 5 to 10 mph.

Friday night will be partly cloudy before becoming mostly cloudy. Lows will be in the mid 30s to the lower 40s. Northeast winds will be 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday will be mostly cloudy. Highs will be in the lower 50s. North winds will be around 5 mph before switching to west winds in the afternoon.

— Bay City News contributed to this report