Local mountains and High Desert covered in snow
A cold winter blast has blanketed local mountains and the High Desert with snow. The snow-capped mountains are also leading local emergency crews to issue warnings to drivers heading to higher elevations.
The California Highway Patrol issued a warning to drivers, after several inches of snow fell early New Year’s Eve night in our local mountains. If you are heading up Highway 74 be prepared to have your chains, they are now required if you need to head to some mountain destinations like Idyllwild and Pine Cove. There are also reports that nearly a dozen cars were stranded along Highway 74 on the way to Idyllwild due to the snow and icy roadways.
The snow is also bringing hundreds of tourists to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Dozens of people were at the base of the Tram before the first car went up. Snow fell well below the mountain top, and into the parking lot.
Tram officials are reporting eight to ten inches of new snow on the ground. Trams run daily until 8 p.m. And the first tram up tomorrow is 8 a-m. Tram officials ask that you pack warm, and pack your patience, there may be long wait times.
