County’s coordinated storm response tackles snow all night
 County Public Works crews managed snowfall on mountain roadways throughout the night and will continue as snow is expected to fall throughout the day and into tonight.
Snowfall during the present storm has been but a fraction of the 10-plus feet of snow that fell during the February/early March blizzard.
Precipitation levels recorded by Public Works between 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and 6:30 a.m. today were:
- Arrowbear Lake: 16.0” snow
- Big Bear: 0.40” rain; 10.0” snow
- Crestline: 1.75” rain; 7.0” snow
- Green Valley Lake: 22.0” snow
- Lake Arrowhead: 11.0” snow.
- Running Springs: 14.0” snow
Public Works have more than 100 pieces of snow equipment deployed in the mountains. Crews will continue to service and re-service roads during and after the storm. While snow is falling, newly exposed asphalt can quickly become covered with an inch or two of new snow, making it appear the road hasn't been serviced. This phase of operations during snowfall is termed "snow management."
Considering how much snow has fallen and how much is still expected, Public Works believes it can have all roads passable within a day or two.
County Fire had no calls in their mountain service areas overnight.
San Bernardino County Public Works crews began plowing mountain roads as soon as snow and rain began falling this morning. The County began positioning resources in the mountains and put crews on 24-hour spilt shifts on Monday morning for the duration of the storm and until roads are clear.
Meanwhile, County Fire secured more resources from the state, including an additional swift water rescue team and a bulldozer and operator, adding to the 10 fire engine companies provided by agencies throughout the county.
The Sheriff’s Department has added extra deputies for routine patrol for the next two weeks along with deputies assigned to address traffic-related issues and enforce anti-roadside snow play regulations.
The County Office of Emergency Services (OES) is continuously monitoring the weather, coordinating reports, and implementing multiagency coordination calls.
The County is prepared to activate the Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS) to warn residents who might be in danger.
Take precautions
The County urges residents, especially those in the mountains and areas susceptible to flooding, to take the following precautions:
- Limit travel as much as possible. When you do have to travel, do so with caution.
- Maintain at least a two-week supply of food, water, medications, essential equipment, and fuel.
- Stay clear of moving water.
- Monitor weather reports for emergency advisories. Visit the National Weather Service, San Diego, https://www.weather.gov/sgx/ for the latest weather information impacting San Bernardino County
- The TENS system is preloaded with all landline telephone numbers in the county. However, it is updated only every six months and does not include mobile numbers. To ensure you receive TENS alerts, sign up here: http://www.sbcounty.gov/sbcfire/Tens/TensContact.aspx.
- Do what you can to prevent snow from accumulating on roofs and adjacent to your home.
- Beware of snow and ice sliding down from rooftops.
- Protect your property with sandbags if you believe you might be vulnerable to flooding.
- Use tarps to protect damaged structures.
- Check for updates and helpful information on the County’s Snow Information website, https://snowinfo.sbcounty.gov/; on the County’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/SanBernardinoCounty/; and on Twitter and Instagram, @sbcounty.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
For storm information and assistance, call the County’s information line at 909-387-3911. The line is staffed seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Voicemails left after hours will be returned the following morning.
 County Local Assistance Centers open this weekend
The County is establishing three Local Assistance Centers (LACs) to connect mountain residents with a variety of essential County, state, and private sector resources.
On Saturday and Sunday, March 25 and 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., LACs will be in operation at Charles Hoffman Elementary School in Running Springs and Valley of Enchantment Elementary School in Crestline. On Tuesday and Wednesday, March 28 and 29, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., a LAC will be in operation at Wrightwood Place in Wrightwood.
Dates and hours of operation could be affected by weather conditions. Please call the Storm Information Line at 909-387-3911 or check the County's social media platforms for updates.
Services will include building & safety, insurance information, assistance for seniors, public health, tax and property resources, help for veterans, snow removal and reimbursement, advice on hiring contractors, behavioral health, help for small businesses, transitional assistance, employment assistance, legal services, and general disaster aid and relief.
The County will provide food distribution at each of the LACs for as long as supplies last.
 
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