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California snow: Newsom declares state of emergency for 13 counties, including LA and San Bernardino

By KJ Hiramoto
Updated  March 2, 2023 3:48pm EST
Winter Weather
FOX 11

Many remain trapped in the San Bernardino Mountains

Some residents and visitors have been trapped for over a week following a series of winter storms.

LOS ANGELES - As California continues to deal with the wrath of the winter storms, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for more than a dozen counties.

On Wednesday, the declaration was announced for 13 counties in hopes of pushing the pace of disaster response and relief. Two of the counties, Los Angeles and San Bernardino, were included in the Governor's list.

In addition, the California Guard has been activated to help with emergency response efforts and give mutual aid. Cal Guard prepared a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter to launch from Joint Forces Training Base-Los Alamitos to San Bernardino County. Several other state agencies are also assisting the community.

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California Guard

On Thursday, San Bernardino County deputies and firefighters were seen loading ready-to-eat meals onto sheriff’s helicopters to be delivered to those in the mountain communities. 

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(San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department)

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(San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department)

Below is a list of the counties under Newsom's state of emergency:

  • Amador
  • Kern
  • Los Angeles
  • Madera
  • Mariposa
  • Mono
  • Nevada
  • San Bernardino
  • San Luis Obispo
  • Santa Barbara
  • Sierra
  • Sonoma
  • Tulare

The state of emergency declaration comes as San Bernardino County residents have been trapped in their homes and vacation rentals during the winter storms. Some have been stuck for as long as an entire week, prompting officials in San Bernardino County to declare a local state of emergency earlier in the week.

A 24/7 non-emergency hotline is available for those in need of medication or food deliveries in San Bernardino County. Those looking to use the option can call 909-387-3911.

Families still stranded days after state of emergency in San Bernardino County mountains

Families are still stuck in the San Bernardino County mountain neighborhood days after a state of emergency was declared for the area due to the snowstorm.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Some San Bernardino County residents remain trapped in mountains as storm cleanup continues

As for those looking to go through the Kern County area, the 5 Freeway at the Grapevine reopened Wednesday night after shutting down for at least the third time in a week due to dangerous driving conditions.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 5 Freeway at Grapevine reopens after being shut down for 3rd time in a week due to ice, snow

In Los Angeles County, residents saw light snow across the area. The National Weather Service warned residents in the area should brace for dangerous winds.

"The snow and small hail are getting all the excitement, but significant and damaging winds are either occurring now or will develop this evening," NWS Los Angeles wrote on Twitter. "Watch for downed trees and power lines" and "prepare for power outages," they said.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Los Angeles sees light snow as winter storm pushes through region

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