Snow chains on the 101? Inaccurate journey alert baffles Thousand Oaks

The storms that pummeled Southern California this week introduced dramatic wind gusts, bursts of rain and lightning that set trees on fire, to not point out heavy snow.

But there’s no snow on the 101 Freeway close to Thousand Oaks — which could come as a shock to those that spied an errant journey alert from the California Department of Transportation.

An company advisory for the L.A.-Ventura county line went out Wednesday saying snow chains have been required on all automobiles besides passenger automobiles and light-duty vans outfitted with snow tires on not less than two-drive wheels. Those with snow tires, the advisory warned, should nonetheless carry chains.

Social media responded to the warning with puzzlement: “I get it. It was like 49 degrees and sunny this morning. It’s tough in these streets.”

The Times on Wednesday afternoon reached out to Caltrans, which mentioned an error had occurred: “These chain control messages for US-101 were inadvertently added to QuickMap and have been removed since the time of your inquiry.”

Meanwhile, roadways in Southern California’s mountains are anticipated to be inundated with snow. Forecasters with the National Weather Service are warning that Thursday ought to carry harmful driving circumstances within the mountains, with the potential for roadway closures within the Tejon Pass on the 5 Freeway.

“Blowing and driving snow with near zero visibilities possible,” the climate service mentioned.

Just not in Thousand Oaks.