Update: Grapevine open after 5-hour closure. Here’s how wet and cold it was in Fresno area
Freezing temperatures in the central San Joaquin Valley brought snow and hail to some cities late Tuesday.
There were reports of hail in Sanger and snow in Reedley, but little precipitation in Fresno, according to the National Weather Service in Hanford.
Fresno reported less than a tenth of an inch through 3 a.m. Rain was heavier in Tulare County, where Visalia got nearly a half-inch, according to the service.
Visalia also saw thunderstorms and hail, meteorologists said.
Winter freeze warnings remain in place through Friday morning as temperature lows are expected to dip under 30 degrees, meteorologists said.
The Grapevine and Tehachapi Pass each saw significant snow, according to Caltrans.
California Highway Patrol paced traffic on Interstate 5’s Grapevine before closing it around 7 a.m., according to the Fort Tejon CHP office.
The office tweeted at about noon that the highway was open in both directions. “At this time north and southbound I-5 are open,” the tweet said. “The roadway is wet and very slick so slow down and drive safely.”
The pass on Highway 58 was closed much of the night because of snow and ice, Caltrans said.
China Peak
The China Peak resort website celebrated what it said was 5 to 8 inches of snow through Wednesday morning.
With sunshine predicted later in the week, the website said this coming weekend should be great for skiers.
“For the past five seasons March has been the biggest snow month of the year, so get ready,” the website said.
This story was originally published February 23, 2022 at 6:51 AM.
