Storm dumps 45 inches of snow on Big Bear in 72 hours amid blizzard warning

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. (KABC) — A winter storm dumped at least 45 inches of snow on Big Bear in 72 hours as a blizzard warning remained in effect for the San Bernardino mountains.

The snowy conditions resulted in several highway shutdowns in the area, and most roads that remained opened required tire chains.

“ALL ROADS TO THE BIG BEAR VALLEY (SR-330, SR-18 & SR-38) ARE CLOSED” said on Twitter at 9:46 a.m. “At this time there, is no estimation when the roads will reopen.”

Caltrans crews and the California Highway Patrol were working to reopen the roads as soon as possible, officials said.

A video posted by Caltrans on social media showed one of the agency’s snowblowers clearing snow from Highways 330 and 18 near Big Bear Dam.

A rare blizzard warning for the San Bernardino County mountains, issued by the National Weather Service, went into effect early Friday morning and is scheduled last until 4 p.m. Saturday.