Many Tri-Valley residents and commuters were met Friday morning with a weather phenomenon that is not often experienced in the region: snow.
Although the National Weather Service issued a freeze warning earlier in the week and advised that rain and snow showers were expected, the amount of snow at lower elevations came as a surprise to many, including motorists traveling into the Tri-Valley who found themselves stuck during their early morning commute and needing assistance from the Alameda County Fire Department.
❄️ This morning at 5:30 AM, Engine 20 responded to Patterson Pass Road also known as “Top of the World” in Livermore assisting over 100 Cars that stopped on the roadway due to the weather conditions and snow. #ALCOFIRE pic.twitter.com/aejqJfrYYi
— Alameda County Fire (@AlamedaCoFire) February 24, 2023
"This morning at 5:30 AM, Engine 20 responded to Patterson Pass Road also known as 'Top of the World' in Livermore assisting over 100 Cars that stopped on the roadway due to the weather conditions and snow," the county fire department tweeted Friday morning along with photos and videos of the rare scene.
California Highway Patrol officers were also out on Patterson Pass Road early Friday morning and issued a warning on social media to avoid the area due to the weather. "Let this be a good reminder that road weather/road conditions are constantly changing and always plan ahead!," the agency wrote in a tweet.
Well, we don’t get to use our snow advisory message very often in the Tri-Valley. Let this be a good reminder that road weather/road conditions are constantly changing and always plan ahead! These pictures are from Patterson Pass Rd. ❄️ pic.twitter.com/QeuMdfVIn9
— CHP Dublin Area (@CHPDublin) February 24, 2023
Across the Valley at Mount Diablo State Park, the paved roads are currently closed due to snow at low elevations, trees across roads, and trees on power lines.
However, the Mitchell Canyon day use parking lot and Macedo Ranch day use parking lot are open, according to the park's website. Updates to the current closure will be posted on its website and on the Mount Diablo State Park Facebook page.
While the snow created an inconvenience for a number of people, others welcomed the blankets of white flakes that covered fields, hilltops and peaks surrounding the region.
Residents who actually live at higher altitudes – like up Mines Road in Livermore – woke up to a winter wonderland outside their windows and took to social media to share their front yard views.
A layer of white was also visible from various directions on top of the Pleasanton Ridge Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service, rain is expected to continue throughout the weekend and a frost advisory is in effect for Alameda County through 9 a.m. Saturday (Feb. 25).
