BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — It rained and snowed on and off most of Monday afternoon in parts of Kern County. At one point CHP stopped all traffic along portions of Interstate 5 but eventually reopened the Grapevine and escorted traffic. At times it was hard to see the road. While it caused a headache for some, other's enjoyed the conditions
"I just wanted to say that It's so beautiful and I love it," said Ludy Gutierrez.
That was how some drivers heading up the Grapevine felt while making their way through the snowy conditions. Around 4 a.m. Monday the California Highway Patrol initially closed the 1-5 due to snow but it later reopened around 12:30 p.m. Only to close again around 3 p.m.
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For some residents, like Tai Quan and his son, despite the hazardous conditions, they were pretty excited about the snow and made their way up to Lebec to see more of it
"It was fine because the CHP was in front of us controlling the traffic so it was a nice smooth ride. So we are not going to go any further than this because there is no need to. We're just going to turn around and go back to Bakersfield," said Quan.
CHP officers escorted traffic slowly up the passageway on the Grapevine with many cars not traveling more than 20 miles per hour. The snow and rain continued on and off creating slick and wet roadways for travelers who say they were prepared.
Said Jillian Goodman: "We were ready for this. We knew the whole week it was coming so we had time to prep the wood and all the fireplace stuff and make sure we had our groceries ready if we couldn't get up the hill."
According to 23ABC's weather team, residents can expect another winter storm to move in later this week bringing in heavy rain and snow. Although it doesn’t appear it will be quite as heavy, an inch or 2 could stick on the Grapevine.
"It's supposed to snow tonight and for like the next three days like pretty consistently so if anyone does come up just be really, really careful. Make sure you have 4-wheel drive," added Goodman.
CHP wants to remind travelers if you do not have to come this way try to avoid the area.
