Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Louise Skiivone.

Many mountain communities in Southern California were under a rare blizzard warning this weekend,

a powerful winter storm is bringing feet of snow to the higher elevations and a shutdown

a portion of Interstate 5, which is a major north-south route in the state.

As Matt Guilam of Membrization KCRW reports, watches and warnings are blanketing the region.

The storm is dusted even some lowline parts of Southern California with snow and brought

several inches of rain so far to parts of the region.

It's been more than 30 years since the mountains and LA and Venturi counties were last under

a blizzard warning.

As for the mountains in San Bernardino County, this is a first.

Forecasters say heavy snow, fog and gusting winds of up to 60 miles per hour will continue

hitting the higher elevations and will keep visibility close to zero, with conditions

expected to remain severe even as warnings lift.

The San Bernardino Mountains will move to a winter storm warning through early Sunday.

Meanwhile, more showers are expected at lower elevations, prompting flood watches in many

areas.

For NPR News, I'm Matt Guilam.

With health concerns mounting as a result of this month's trained derailment in East

Palestine, Ohio, teams from several federal agencies are going door to door this weekend

and outreach support for residents.

As Enby here has Dave Mystic reports, the EPA is also changing how it's handling the

removal of hazardous material from the site of the derailment.

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