A strong winter storm will bring rain and several feet of snow to the mountains over the weekend in Southern California. Also, a rare blizzard warning goes into effect Friday.
The weather watches, including the first blizzard warning for the region in decades, were issued ahead of the atmospheric river-fed cold storm over the Pacific. The blizzard warning, which indicates snow or blizzard snow, reduced visibility and sustained winds of 35 mph or greater, will be in effect for the mountains of Los Angeles, Ventura and San Bernardino counties from Friday morning through Saturday the afternoon.
Most mountainous areas are under winter storm warnings. Other areas are facing flood advisories, wind advisories, and high wave advisories.
Here’s what to expect from the late February storm.
Thursday: Snow and scattered rain
Light rain and snow are forecast for the mountains on Thursday as the storm moves into the region after touching down on an atmospheric river.
Atmospheric rivers are columns of moisture in the sky above the ocean. Once storms draw moisture from rivers into the atmosphere, they are capable of producing long periods of significant precipitation. The weather phenomenon is behind some of the wettest winters on record in California.
Scattered showers likely Thursday night.
Friday: Blizzard warning and widespread afternoon rain
The brunt of the storm will hit Southern California Friday night through Saturday.
A blizzard warning is in effect from 4 a.m. Friday to 4 p.m. Saturday for the mountains of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Snow totals are expected to reach up to 5 feet at elevations above 4,000 feet by Saturday night.
Areas under a blizzard warning include Mount Wilson, the Grapevine section of the 5 Freeway, Acton, Mount Pinos and Frazier Park. Travel in the mountains of southern California is not recommended.
The blizzard warning is only the second time it has been issued in more than 30 years in Southern California. This “blizzard” advisory will bring excessive snow on the mountains and gusts of up to 75 mph, according to NWS reports.
The blizzard warning does not include the Santa Monica Mountains.
The blizzard warning was extended Thursday to include the mountains of San Bernardino County. Communities in the Wrightwood, Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline and Running Springs warning area.
A winter storm warning is in effect through Saturday for most mountain communities in Southern California.
If you are traveling on Friday morning, it will probably be raining.
At 4 a.m., showers will develop in Ventura County and parts of Los Angeles County. The rain will spread throughout the region during the middle of the day, including pockets of heavy rain.
The heaviest rain will be from Friday morning until Saturday.
Saturday: rain and snow during the morning
2 to 5 feet of snow above 5,000 feet is expected by Saturday as the storm continues to batter the region. Some areas could get up to 7ft.
Snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are possible by Saturday night at elevations as low as 2,000 feet.
Heavy rain will fall overnight in large parts of Southern California. At 10 am, the snow and rain will begin to abate and the showers will persist through Sunday.
Rain and Snow Estimates
Rainfall estimates range from 2 to 5 inches for most areas and 5 to 7 inches in foothill communities.
Snowfall estimates include 2 to 5 feet, and possibly as much as 7 feet, above 5,000 feet. Elevations between 3,500 and 4,500 feet will see 6 to 18 inches of snow.
Another storm is on the way Tuesday through Wednesday of next week.
This story first appeared on Telemundo 52’s sister station, NBCLA. Click here to read this story in English.
