Storm in Southern California cripples traffic, dumps snow

A cold storm moving across Southern California on Monday froze traffic, slowing or stranding thousands of motorists on Interstate 5 north of Los Angeles, dumping snow and hail on mountains, and bringing high, hazardous surf to beaches.

Interstate 5 was shut down in both directions shortly after 2 p.m. because of snow in Tejon Pass, which rises more than 4,100 feet between Los Angeles and the San Joaquin Valley, the California Department of Transportation said.

Snow was expected as low as 2,500 feet.

Snow and heavy hail also hit the San Gabriel Mountains, affecting commutes between Los Angeles and the Antelope Valley, California Highway Patrol Officer Vince Ramirez said.