Winter weather affects Edwards operations Published Dec. 18, 2008 EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- (Special note: Due to adverse weather conditions Edwards AFB is currently closed. Current information can be found at the Edwards Vital Information link on www.edwards.af.mil, or by calling the Straight Talk Line at (661) 277-2345. Base residents can also check the Commander's Access Channel 6 on the Time-Warner Cable system.) (Current as of 6 p.m. Dec. 17, 2008) Winter weather affects Edwards operations Edwards Adverse Weather Update The National Weather Service has declared a WINTER STORM WARNING for snow, which remains in effect until 8 p.m. this evening, for Kern County mountains and deserts. Several inches of new snow are likely for the remainder of today, Dec. 17, with new snow accumulations ranging from one to three inches on the desert floor near 2500 feet, and an additional three to seven inches in the mountains. Those planning travel into or through Kern County mountains and deserts should be prepared for winter weather conditions and be alert for delays or road closures. A WINTER STORM WARNING means significant amounts of snow, sleet and/or ice is expected or is occurring, making travel very hazardous. Gusty winds are also possible through mountain passes. Edwards Weather Station is calling for winter weather and heavy snow, greater than one inch, and up to four inches, from 5 p.m. this evening until 4 a.m. Dec. 18. Snow is sticking to roadways, making them increasingly slippery and hazardous. Edwards AFB is closed At 2:30 p.m. today Edwards AFB halted operations and released all non-essential employees for the day. The 95th Air Base Wing commander urges Edwards employees to clear windows and headlights of snow before driving, and to exercise extreme caution while entering or departing the base. The Army and Air Force Exchange (AAFES) services on Edwards have reduced their operating hours today as follows: BX/Mall Complex - Closed Burger King - Closes at 5 p.m. Starbucks - Closed Shoppette - Closes at 9 p.m. Pizza Hut - Closes at 5 p.m. NASA - Closed South Base - Closed Mary's Place - Closed Troop Store - Closed Service Station - Closes at 5 p.m.; gas pumps remain open 24hrs The base commissary will close at 6:30 p.m. Future closures and delays Edwards Air Force Base operations are scheduled to resume tomorrow, and employees should report for regular duty hours unless officially notified of a closure or delay. Employees are urged to exercise extreme caution while entering or departing the base, and while coping with difficult driving conditions and minor disruptions of public transportation services. Base closure and late-reporting information will be disseminated through the pyramid alert system. You may also call the Edwards Straight Talk Line at (661) 277-2345, check the Edwards Vital Information page on Edwards public web page at www.edwards.af.mil, or tune to The Commander's Access Channel 6 on the Time-Warner Cable system, for the latest official information. Local radio and broadcast stations will be notified by the Public Affairs office; however, the broadcasts may not provide the most up-to-date information.