Authorities prepared to close Grapevine due to winter storm

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A winter storm is expected to hit parts of Southern California on Christmas Eve, which could make driving treacherous over the Grapevine.

The California Highway Patrol and Caltrans are prepared to shut down the Interstate 5 Freeway from Castaic to Fort Tejon if the 40-mile stretch of road gets too dangerous. Driving conditions could get scary with ice, snow and strong winds as well as drivers experiencing low visibility.

The storm was expected to move across the region, bringing snow and rain to areas as low as 3,500 feet overnight. Blustery winds between 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph could also cause light snow clouds to reduce visibility.