San Diego County CA— The San Diego Sheriff’s Department is urging people who plan to visit the mountains in east county this weekend, to see the anticipated snowfall, be prepared.
The last storm to bring snow, January 1st, 2015, a heavy steady flow of vehicles converged on Julian and Sunrise Highway areas.
Visitors attracted to the snowfall in the mountains created vehicle congestion with inbound traffic backed up several miles in all directions at a near standstill. At times, traffic into Julian was backed up to Ramona on Highway 78, that’s a distance of 22 miles. Traffic to the Sunrise Highway was backed up on Interstate 8 to the Viejas Casino area.
Being prepared means; have a full tank of gas, water and food supplies in case you are stranded in traffic for several hours. Have snow chains for areas where they will be required. Public restroom facilities are limited.
Be mindful of areas that are private property which are marked by signs and fences. Private property is off limits to the public for recreational snow activities.
Parking is limited. Parking violations will be enforced and citations will be issued. Vehicles blocking roadways and private property will be towed. Be aware of increased law enforcement activity to handle the anticipated large crowds.