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Winter Weather Updates on Edwards Air Force Base

  • Published
  • By Col. Matthew Caspers
  • 412th Test Wing
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  

 

***UPDATED AS OF 0400, 24 Feb***

Air Force Research Laboratory - Detachment 7 employees are on a two-hour weather delay for reporting for work Friday, February 24. As of 0400L, Edwards AFB and Plant 42 are operating under normal duty hours and reporting instructions. 

***UPDATED AS OF 1306, 23 Feb: Edwards AFB and Air Force Plant 42 are operating on normal duty hours and reporting instructions***

The Edwards weather station and National Weather Service are forecasting wintery type weather conditions along with strong surface winds starting in the morning hours of Friday, 24 February and continuing into late Saturday.  For the Edwards area, precipitation will start off as light snow on Friday morning, change to rain and snow mixed in the afternoon, then back to snow after sunset. Snow accumulations of 1-2 inches are possible.

Precipitation will become heavier after sunset on Friday and between Friday night and Saturday night, another 2-4 inches of snow are possible.

Snow accumulations will be heavier in the foothills (6-12 inches) and mountains (3-6 feet). In low lying areas, flooding may occur on late Friday into Saturday. 

Surface winds on Friday will be gusty from the south-southwest at 35-45 miles per hour (mph).

Temperatures will be in the mid 40s during the day and low 30s at night.

Due to the cold temperatures with this storm, roads may be icy and/or snow covered in some areas from Friday morning into Sunday morning. Icy road conditions will last longer in the higher elevations around Tehachapi, Highway 14 higher elevations, the Grapevine and the Cajon pass.

Please consult with your local safety representative on what actions to take in order to prepare for wintery type weather.  California law states if you need to use your vehicles windshield wipers when driving, you need to have your headlights on.  If there is snow accumulation on your vehicle, it is best to remove all of it off of your vehicle before driving.  Proper tire inflation is essential for optimum traction and vehicle control.  Wet and ice/snow covered roadways reduce traction and increase stopping distance.  SLOW down when driving and increase your spacing distance between vehicles.  Allow more time to reach your destination.

For highway information or road closures, please go to http://www.dot.ca.gov/.

For weather updates, please check the Edwards weather station web page at https://weather.dfrc.nasa.gov <https://weather.dfrc.nasa.gov/index.html>  or the National Weather Service at http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/hnx or http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/lox/.

***UPDATED AS OF 0745, 23 Feb: Edwards AFB and Air Force Plant 42 are operating on normal duty hours and reporting instructions***

Due to current and potential adverse weather conditions in the local area, all members of team Edwards should take care when encountering winter weather driving conditions.  Employees expecting or encountering adverse weather during their commute should communicate with their supervisors.  All members can check on the installation’s operating condition on the Edwards AFB website (www.edwards.af.mil <http://www.edwards.af.mil> ).

Please review the following winter weather driving tips:

Allow enough time. Get an early start and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.

Keep your gas tank full. It may be necessary to change routes or turn back during a bad storm or wait in traffic delays. 

Keep windshield and windows clear. Use the car defroster and a clean cloth to keep the windows free of fog.

Slow down. A highway speed of 65 miles per hour may be safe in dry weather, but an invitation for trouble on snow and ice. Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so keep your seatbelt buckled and leave more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not. Remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.

Be observant. Visibility is often limited in winter by weather conditions. Slow down and watch for other vehicles that have flashing lights.  Visibility may be so restricted during a storm that it is difficult to see slow moving equipment.

Caltrans QuickMap:  Visit the Caltrans QuickMap (https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/)  for a real-time, zoom-able California map of current traffic conditions including lane closures, CHP incidents, changeable message signs, chain controls, video cameras and more.

 

Edwards provides care, opportunities for children aged six weeks through high school graduation

Edwards provides care, opportunities for childrenaged six weeks through high school graduation

The Child and Youth Program at Edwards AFB provides care and opportunities for kids ages six weeks old through high school graduation. A brief summary of those services follows:

  •                    The Child Development Center cares for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, with a DOD-wide curriculum. The curriculum is focused on learning through play activities supporting social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Installations across DOD follow the curriculum on the same timeline to allow seamless permanent change-of-station transitions for youth enrolled in care.
  •                    The School Age Center provides before and after-school care and summer camp for children ages 5 to 12. During school breaks, full-day camps are offered. SAC promotes cognitive, social, emotional, cultural, language and physical development through programs that encourage self-confidence, curiosity, self-discipline and resiliency.
  •                    The open recreation program at the Main Youth Center provides a safe space for ages 9 to 12 to attend after school. Programs include Power Hour, STEM, Torch Club, social recreation, youth camps, special events and more.
  •                    The youth sports program provides intro and league opportunities for ages 3 to 12, and promotes inclusiveness, self-discipline, commitment, resiliency and social skills. There are four sports offered annually for ages five to 12: baseball/softball, soccer, flag football and basketball. Smart start programs are available to ages 3 to 5. There are many other sports and camps offered throughout the year.
  •                    The Teen Center is available for ages 13 to 18 during the school year. Programs offered include Military Youth of the Year, Keystone Club, social recreation, STEM activities, college trips, leadership camps and more.
  •                    Youth programs (SAC, open rec and teen) are affiliated with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and 4-H.
  •                    Family Child Care homes – there are currently three FCC homes on the installation. They can provide care for ages two weeks to 12 years. FCC providers are trained by Child and Youth Program training and curriculum specialists and have the flexibility to determine their hours of operation and the ages of youth within their care. The program’s new dedicated manager, Jennifer Stegmann, may be reached at 661-275-7529.

Although CDC enrollment capacity is 317, not all slots are currently filled because of a shortage of childcare workers. School Age Center enrollment capacity is 156. After-school care enrollment is 130. Before-school care enrollment is 75. Summer Camp 2022 was at its capacity and enrollment for Summer Camp 2023 opens April 3.