Snow prompts closure of SR-78 and SR-79 into Julian

Snowy conditions prompted California Highway Patrol officers to close state Route 79 between Lake Cuyamaca and Julian and north state Route 78 at Old Highway 80.

A CHP dispatcher said officials chose to close the highways after a number of vehicles, including snow plows, got stuck.

A number of crashes were reported in the area, including one on Route 79 that involved a pedestrian who suffered major injuries, according to the CHP’s website. Emergency vehicles were having a hard time accessing the area.

Porter Lane between State Route 78 and 79 in Julian was also closed.

The closures will remain in effect until Monday morning.

County and state authorities said vehicle chains would be required for drivers headed into snow-filled mountains, including Mount Laguna and Palomar Mountain.

The National Weather Service said the counties mountains could get 4 to 10 inches of snow through Monday, with snow accumulation starting at about 3500 feet.

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lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com