Snowed in and Terrified: Trapped California Mountain Residents Plea for Help

The historic storm that swept through California over the last week—prompting Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency March 1—has passed.

Residents of San Bernardino Mountain communities have a different nightmare. They are stuck in rationing heat, medication, and food.

“I can’t even walk 50 feet because it’s up to my shoulders,” Becky Gardner, a Lake Arrowhead resident, told The Epoch Times.

Gardner claimed she became anxious when she saw photos of locals spending hours digging snow out from gas meters on top to stop gas leaks. Experts say melting snow can block the regulator of a meter, which can lead to gas pressure disruptions that could cause an explosion or fire.

According to a March 2nd press release, the San Bernardino County Fire Department advised residents that they should do this if they are able to get to their meters safely. post on Twitter.

Gardner stated that she is worried about her elderly neighbors who have been trapped inside for over a fortnight. She said that she is trying to save the last wood she has left for her fireplace, as she doesn’t know when roads will be clear.

Some residents are trapped because of their anxiety and frustration, like Gardner.

“It’s been about 10 days,” Casey McLelland from Lake Arrowhead spoke to The Epoch Times.

McLelland stated that McLelland’s family has been living in the area since 1970 and they claim they have never seen anything similar.

“This is truly, truly one of a kind,” She spoke.

She reported that her 90 year-old grandmother, who lives in her own home, was out of medication for her arthritis.

She stated that she is losing her hope and has lost time.

“If you have a life or death emergency right now, more than likely you’re going to die,” She spoke. “I’m not trying to be dire or dramatic, but that’s kind of where it’s at this moment, because even if a fire department gets the call, they can’t get to you,” She spoke.

According to the National Weather Service Lake Arrowhead saw more than 8 feet snow in the past week. Normally, the region gets around 13 feet of snow annually.

San Bernardino County crews worked tirelessly since the last storm to clear roads as quickly as possible and provide essentials for residents and visitors who are trapped.

“They’re all doing the same mission,” Allison Hester Lee, spokesperson for San Bernardino Cal Fire, told The Epoch Times.

Lee says crews prioritise which areas to clear first, based on calls from people who are hungry or in serious danger.

Twin Peaks, which is located near the storm’s path, was hardest hit. According to county officials, they received nearly 800 calls for help during the storm and now in its aftermath—the most for the entire San Bernardino mountain region.

Officials from all parts of Big Bear said that they received more than 1,200 calls, ranging in nature from life-threatening emergencies to low water levels.

Residents told The Epoch Times that two Lake Arrowhead grocery stores were also flagged this week. This left only one store open.

One store’s roofs fell due to snow, and there were several structure and house fires reported earlier in week. County firefighters had to dig through snow piles to reach the fire hydrants.

Residents also lost hope of a faster return to normal when officials denied that a report by the media claiming that the national Guard was coming in for assistance was true.

“What was ordered was a hand crew of individuals,” Today’s news conference was attended by several elected officials from across the country, including those from San Bernardino County.

He said that the crew is part of Cal Fire’s wildfire season and will be there to assist residents with clearing snow off their roofs and shoveling driveways and front yards.

“Don’t think that this is a hurricane in Haiti, where you see our military there to support the citizens,” He stated.

Munsey explained that the weather was far worse than the forecast despite efforts by the fire department to increase its staffing.

“It wasn’t just one weather event, it was several weather events that were stacked on top of each other, despite our best efforts,” He stated.

Sgt. Kimberly Hill, of the California National Guard, told The Epoch Times that they arrived in Lake Arrowhead this morning. However, efforts have been slow moving as agencies prioritize each call according to severity and work diligently to clear the roads.

“Folks, we’re here for you. We’re going to dig you out and we are coming,” Shannon Dicus, San Bernardino County Sheriff, said.

It is unclear how many homes and businesses were destroyed or damaged by this storm. However, Jay Obernolte (Republican from Big Bear Lake) asked residents to keep track as California lawmakers are ready to ask President Joe Biden for federal disaster assistance.

“The enormity of this event is hard to comprehend,” During Friday’s press conference, Republican Assemblyman Tom Lackey stated. “We’re thinking we’re in Southern California, but yet we have had an inundation that has really, really generated a severe amount of anxiety, frustration and difficulty, especially to the victims and those who are actually trapped in their own home.”

911 is the number to dial for any life-threatening emergency. Call 911 if you are experiencing life-threatening situations.