Watch CBS News

SoCal Residents Bundle Up For Cold Snap

INLAND EMPIRE (CBSLA.com) — It seemed like winter would never come and then it did — suddenly.

This week's cold snap has brought near-freezing temperatures to some parts of the Southland, causing concern for local growers and forcing residents to bundle up.

Temperatures in the Valley dropping to the 40s. The high desert area saw temperatures dip into the 30s.

Freeze and frost advisories were in effect Thursday night and Friday morning.

Weather is expected to stay cold throughout the weekend, with possible showers moving into the area Saturday.

Anthony Venegas, of Colton, thought the weather was appropriate as he shopped for Christmas trees in Redlands.

"I enjoy it because it's a change for us, and it's getting close to Christmas, so might as well be cold," Venegas said.

Many have been trying to beat the cold by looking for heating devices.

"They've been buying a lot of heating, portable heating, everything," said Vinnie Pia, who works at a Lowe's in the Inland Empire.

In Colton, Salvation Army worker Major Butch Soriano has been ringing a bell outside a Walmart non-stop since Tuesday morning. He's attempting to break the world record for Salvation Army bell-ringing, hoping to reach the 80-hour mark. Three others across America are also vying for the record but Soriano is definitely the coldest.

"The one in Tyler, Texas, I heard it's 73 degrees — no endurance involved," Soriano said.

The weather caused some road closures in the Angeles National Forest with officials anticipating snow and icy road conditions.

As of 1 a.m. Saturday, Angeles Forest Highway between Aliso Canyon Road and Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road and Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road between Angeles Crest Highway and Angeles Forest Highway will be closed, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.

Local access will not be permitted while the closures are in effect. Officials say closures won't be lifted until the storm has passed and roads have been inspected. Updates on road conditions are available at www.dpwcare.org.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.