Big Bear Access Reopens, Officials Issue Warning

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — There was no access Tuesday to or from Big Bear due to the powerful winter storm that walloped the region, and Caltrans said the situation would be the same overnight.

However, as of 6:15 a.m. Wednesday, State Route 38 reopened but with a warning from Caltrans.

"SR 38 [is] open to all traffic. Please bring chains to mountain routes. Not safe out there and bring extra warm clothing," the state agency said.

For much of the day Tuesday and through the night, the highway was closed from Bryant Street to Lake Williams.

"No access to Big Bear or from Big Bear off the hill. Use alternate routes. Unknown duration," Caltrans tweeted.

Tuesday evening, the agency provided an update that said the highway was expected to remain closed overnight as crews work to remove 4-feet-deep mud and debris from the road.

Further north, state Route 2 was closed Tuesday from Big Pines to Islip Saddle, according to Caltrans. There was no word on reopening.

"If you must travel in the mountains, make sure you have chains. Even better to wait until the storm is over," Caltrans said.

According to the National Weather Service, total snow accumulations were predicted at 4 to 12 inches in mountain communities sitting between 5,000 and 7,000 feet. Above the 7,000-foot elevation, 1 to 3 feet of snow was expected, with locally higher amounts above 8,000 feet.

Snowplows were being operated across mountain communities to help clear highways, according to Caltrans.