Rain and Snow Forecast to Impact Travel on the Grapevine

CHP responds to multiple crashes due to speeding in wet conditions

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Rain and wind are expected to impact travel throughout Kern County in the coming days, with the Grapevine potentially seeing snow and icy conditions. CHP-Fort Tejon responded to four crashes along the Grapevine on Monday, all due to drivers speeding in rainy conditions. Officials say they will closely monitor the roads and may close the Grapevine if they see cars spinning out of control or if there is ice buildup.

Why it matters

The Grapevine is a critical transportation route connecting Southern and Central California, so any weather-related closures or hazardous driving conditions can significantly impact travel and commerce in the region.

The details

Rain is expected to continue in Bakersfield and parts of Kern County, with the potential for more precipitation in the next few days. CHP Officer DC Williams said all four crashes on the Grapevine on Monday were caused by drivers speeding in the rainy conditions. Williams stated that CHP will first try to escort traffic through the Grapevine if they see icy conditions, but will close the roadway if they observe cars spinning out of control or significant ice buildup.

  • On Monday, CHP-Fort Tejon responded to four crashes along the Grapevine.
  • Rain is expected to continue in Bakersfield and parts of Kern County in the coming days.

The players

CHP-Fort Tejon

The California Highway Patrol office that oversees the Grapevine area.

Officer DC Williams

A CHP officer who spoke about the agency's plans to monitor and potentially close the Grapevine in inclement weather.

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What they’re saying

“That's the main reason why we close is due to ice buildup on the road. So if we start seeing these conditions, what we'll do first is escort people through, we'll work together with the New CHP area, we'll escort traffic to a certain point where the officers will pick up that traffic. We'll pick up the traffic going north on and make sure that they get through.”

— Officer DC Williams, CHP Officer (turnto23.com)

What’s next

CHP will continue to closely monitor conditions on the Grapevine and may escort traffic or close the roadway if they observe hazardous icy conditions.

The takeaway

Drivers should exercise caution and reduce speeds when traveling on the Grapevine during inclement weather, as CHP has responded to multiple crashes due to speeding in wet conditions. Travelers should also be prepared for potential delays or closures on this critical transportation route.