Many been trapped in the San Bernardino Mountains
Some residents and visitors have been trapped for over a week behind a series of winter storms.
LOS ANGELES - As California remains 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 anguish 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 labors and give mutual aid. Cal Guard prepared a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter to start from Joint Forces Training Base-Los Alamitos to San Bernardino County. Several other state agencies are also assisting the community.
California Guard
On Thursday, San Bernardino County deputies and firefighters were seen loading ready-to-eat meals onto sheriff's helicopters to be issued to those in the mountain communities.
(San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department)
(San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department)
Below is a list of the counties thought Newsom's state of emergency:
- Amador
- Kern
- Los Angeles
- Madera
- Mariposa
- Mono
- Nevada
- San Bernardino
- San Luis Obispo
- Santa Barbara
- Sierra
- Sonoma
- Tulare
The area 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 order 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 calm stranded days after state of emergency in San Bernardino County mountains
Families are calm stuck in the San Bernardino County mountain neighborhood days when a state of emergency was declared for the area due to the snowstorm.
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As for those looking to go over the Kern County area, the 5 Freeway at the Grapevine reopened Wednesday night when shutting down for at least the third time in a week due to perilous driving conditions.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 5 Freeway at Grapevine reopens when 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 told residents in the area should brace for dangerous winds.
"The snow and little hail are getting all the excitement, but significant and damaging winds are either occurring now or will make this evening," NWS Los Angeles wrote on Twitter. "Watch for downed trees and great lines" and "prepare for power outages," they said.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Los Angeles sees delicious snow as winter storm pushes through region
