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Skiers, Snowboarders Looking Forward To This Weekend's Forecasted Storm

BIG BEAR LAKE (CBSLA.com/AP) — A rainstorm is headed in toward the Southland this weekend, and weather forecasters predict that will leave a blanket of snow in mountain areas.

Skiers and snowboarders are banking on this being one of the best weekends of the year. Some businesses in the Big Bear Lake area are even calling the storm "March Miracle," as it will allow many of them to stay open longer this season.

Frank Devault of Leroy's Board Shop in Running Springs is grateful for the storm.

"They were saying we would probably close in March, so middle of March now if we get this storm. This is our 'March Miracle,' and we'll hopefully be open until the beginning of April," Devault said.

The manager at Snow Valley Mountain Resort, Kevin Somes, says he's thrilled at the predicted 30 inches of snow that's expected to cover the top of the mountain over the next few days.

"Snow means business for us and our local community. And it attracts folks up to the mountains and conditions are going to get even better than they are right now, and it will give us a chance to make snow as well," Somes said.

Late Friday, there was plenty of traffic as many headed to the mountains before the snow came in.

Caltrans is urging motorists to carry chains, blankets, food and water.

The storm also could dump a half-inch of rain at lower elevations.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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