NWS: Several inches of snow expected in the High Desert during Christmas storm

VICTORVILLE, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A white Christmas is looking more and more like a possibility for the Victor Valley. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the area could see several inches of snowfall with the upcoming winter storm.

In a Tuesday afternoon update, the NWS said they expanded the winter storm watch to include the High Desert and extremely heavy snow is expected starting Christmas night.

According to the agency, accumulations of several inches are expected in the High Desert, with accumulations up to 1 FT at higher elevations near the base of the mountains.

Snow totals in the mountains, including communities such as Wrightwood, Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, Running Springs, Forest Falls, Idyllwild, and Mt Laguna, may exceed 2 and locally 3 FEET.

The NWS said this will be a major winter storm and travel in warned areas is HIGHLY discouraged. Near impossible travel, conditions are expected Thursday morning in the mountains. Non-emergency travel is strongly discouraged.

The winter storm begins Wednesday night and the heaviest rain and snow will be on Thursday.

Caltrans District 8 is advising motorists this winter storm event is like the Thanksgiving storm. Motorists can expect high snow impact to the I-15 in the Cajon Pass, Ortega Highway, High Desert areas (Victorville, Hesperia, Adelanto, Apple Valley).

Plan ahead – You MUST carry chains if you plan on traveling in the mountains Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.

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