Thousands of San Diegans tried to enjoy a taste of Colorado Saturday by heading to the snowy East County mountains. Instead they caused gridlocked traffic on Sunrise Highway.
Sunrise Highway was at capacity for cars, which could force authorities to close the roadway, California Highway Patrol Officer Brian Pennings said.
The first major winter storm of the season dumped several inches of snow on Mount Laguna earlier this week.
Chains are required to be carried by people traveling on Sunrise Highway. Pennings warned drivers to reconsider heading to the mountains Sunday, anticipating more problems on the highway. He said drivers could receive tickets if they become stuck in traffic and block the road for emergency vehicles.
