Live weather updates: I-5 through Grapevine reopens, but more rain headed to Fresno area

A look at travel conditions and updated forecasts as a strong winter storm continues Sunday:

I-5 through Grapevine reopens with CHP escorts

1:34 p.m. Sunday: Interstate 5 through the Grapevine reopened shortly after 1 p.m. Sunday, with California Highway Patrol officers escorting traffic.

“No chains are required,” the CHP said. “Be sure to slow down and use extra caution when driving as the roadway is still very wet and slick. Do not pass CHP officers conducting escorts.”

CHP is advising motorists to use Caltrans’ Quickmap for more road updates.

Highway 99 at Pixley still closed

12:40 p.m. Sunday: A portion of Highway 99 in Pixley near Avenue 96 remained closed, according to Caltrans’ road conditions map.

The stretch was closed Saturday due to flooding.

Highway 58 over Tehachapi Pass reopens

11:30 a.m. Sunday: Caltrans said Highway 58 over Tehachapi Pass has reopened.

The highway had been closed over the pass in eastern Kern County from Towerline Road east of Bakersfield to exit 172 near the town of Mojave due to weather conditions and multiple traffic incidents.

Caltrans still urged motorists to drive with caution and allow themselves plenty of time to reach their destinations safely.

Caltrans also reminded drivers to make enough space if they come across a snowplow on the road for their safety and that of the snowplow operator.

New target for Grapevine: ‘Sometime this afternoon’

10:30 a.m. Sunday: The California Highway Patrol now says Interstate 5 through the Grapevine will remain closed until sometime Sunday afternoon due to a “significant amount of ice buildup on the roadway.”

“Please be patient as we work diligently to ensure your safe travel up and over the Grapevine,” CHP said Sunday morning.

Caltrans crews and the CHP on Saturday night had said they hoped to have it reopened by 11 a.m.

CHP recommends people not wait on the roadside for the highway to reopen.

“If you can turn around and return home or go to a place off the freeway where there is gas, food, and facilities we suggest doing so for safety,” the agency said.

CHP will continue to provide updates on social media.

More rain, cold on the way for the Fresno area

9 a.m. Sunday: Today will be dry until late in the afternoon when it begins to rain again, according to National Weather Service Meteorologist David Spector.

Spector said about a tenth to a quarter inch of rain is expected to fall in the Fresno-area beginning late Sunday and through Monday. Another tenth to a quarter inch of rain is expected from Monday night through Wednesday.

The high temperature for Sunday is expected to reach 52 degrees, with a low of 41 degrees overnight.

“It’s going to remain colder than normal for a while,” he said Sunday.

The low temperatures expected for Tuesday and Wednesday will be in the upper 30s, and the highs in the lower 50s. For Thursday and Friday, the low temperatures will be around 30 degrees and the highs are expected to be in the mid-to-upper 50s for those two days.

“It’s going to be colder in the morning toward the end of the week,” Spector said.

Another one to three feet of snow are expected in the Sierra Nevada in coming days, he said.

“Avoid travel if possible,” he advised the public.

Another storm may be headed toward the Fresno-area next weekend, but Spector said it’s too early to tell how strong of a system it might be.

For more weather updates, visit the National Weather Services homepage.

Grapevine remains closed, expected to open mid-Sunday morning

8 a.m. Sunday: The California Highway Patrol late said it expects to reopen Interstate 5 in the Grapevine at 11 a.m. Sunday.

CHP said crews would be working overnight to clear the Grapevine, which had accumulated snows and ice from the storm. CHP recommends people do not wait on the road for the Grapevine to reopen. “If you can turn around and return home or go to a place off the freeway where there is gas, food, and facilities we suggest doing so for safety,” the agency said. CHP will update its post on social media when the Interstate 5 in the Grapevine is ready to reopen.

Highway 58 closed over Tehachapi Pass

1:30 a.m. Sunday: Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol closed Highway 58 over Tehachapi Pass in eastern Kern County early Sunday morning due to weather conditions and multiple traffic incidents, according to Caltrans.

The highway was closed in both directions at around 1:30 a.m. Sunday from Towerline Road east of Bakersfield to exit 172 near the town of Mojave.

“Because visibility is limited and roads are slick, we ask that all drivers slow down and allow themselves plenty of time to reach their destinations safely,” the agency said. “Caltrans also reminds drivers to move over for Caltrans crews, CHP, and other emergency vehicles.”

Caltrans will provide updates on the highway closure on its social media channels: Twitter and Facebook.

Yosemite National Park remains closed

Saturday: Yosemite National Park will remain closed through Wednesday park officials announced.

Park officials had previously warned visitors to avoid the park amid the winter storm.

Travel on all Yosemite roads is restricted. Administrative staff are the only people allowed on the roads and are instructed to use El Portal Road, the extension of Highway 140 into the park.

Current weather conditions make it dangerous for visitors to visit the park, officials said.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will offer limited access and services in the coming days as the storm continues, but park officials urged visitors to check updates on weather conditions before driving up to the parks.

Updates are available on the parks’ social media channel.

More updates to come