First measurable snowfall blankets Idyllwild: Things to keep in mind if you plan to visit

Idyllwild saw its first measurable snowfall of year early Wednesday morning, which could draw some locals to the mountains. An overnight storm brought freezing temperatures and precipitation to the area. Snow began to fall around 9:00 a.m., and continued throughout the day. Wednesday. The Idyllwild Station reporting between 1 1/2 to 3 inches in the area.

If you plan on heading up to the area to check out the snow, you'll pass several signs along the road reminding drivers to have chains in their car in case CHP begins requiring them. Authorities advise travelers to be use caution when driving through the area, and also recommend you not park along the side of the road to play in the snow. It's also important to keep in mind that you cannot park along the shoulder if snowplows need to come through because your car will get towed.

 A couple from Menifee came up for the day to enjoy the snow, but they told KESQ they wish they were better preaped for the conditions.

“Dress appropriately, because my toes were freezing my hands were freezing, had to buy gloves,” said Diana Magana. Her and Jonathan Rangel had eaten at the 'Red Kettle' restaurant and were building a snowman.

“Yeah we came unprepared. We had to stop at the stores to buy some stuff. No I didn’t bring no chains. Its all by luck," said Rangel. "I have a four by so its all good.”

Another family was enjoying the winter holiday and having a snowball fight. Saray Hurtado brought her son up because he didn't have to go to school, buton their way up the mountain they noticed the roads were slippery, so they pulled over to put on chains.

“The roads were slick, we didnt think we needed chains but we were wrong," said Hurtado. "We put them on halfway up here.”

Throughout the afternoon, several snowplows could be seen scraping the snow and slush off the roadway. Aurelio Perez, a local independent snowplow driver who has been working in the area for 25 years had a warning for drivers.

"It's bad right now," Perez said. "It's not easy to drive fast, you slide, so drive slow otherwise you're going to slide down off a cliff and you don't want to do that, because its pretty wet."

When coming to the area to have a snow day, make sure you are respectful of both the locals and nature, and remember to pick up after yourself. If you bring snow gear to the mountains, like sleds, gloves, or shovels, don't forget to bring them back home with you.

Also, spend some time visiting local businesses. There are several shops, stores, and cafes in Idyllwild that would love to have support.