The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for parts of Los Angeles County that will be in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday.
Heavy snow is expected in the Los Angeles County mountains, excluding the Santa Monica Mountain range. It includes the cities of Lockwood Valley, Mount Pinos, Acton, Mount Wilson and Sandberg.
Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are in the forecast above 6,000 feet. Up to 18 inches of snow is expected above 7,500 feet. Wind gusts are expected as high as 60 mph.
The National Weather Service says that travel could be very difficult to impossible in the effected areas and strong winds can cause tree damage.
The National Weather Service recommends traveling with an extra flashlight, food, and water, in case of emergency.
After several days of above-normal temperatures last week, the Southland will get a dose of badly needed rain today.
A Pacific storm system moved closer to the region Sunday night and is expected to bring widespread rain, high elevation snow and gusty winds through Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service. A chance of thunderstorms could bring heavy downpours and small hail in the afternoon and evening before drier conditions prevail late Tuesday through Friday, the NWS said.
“The soaking rain, falling heavy at times, is likely to create extra slowdowns and delays for the Monday morning commute — it could be a very challenging commute. Motorists are reminded that especially just as rain starts after being dry for an extended period of time, oil and other materials on the road surface can produce extremely slippery road conditions when they mix with falling rain,” said Jonathan Porter, chief meteorologist for AccuWeather.
Moderate rates of rain are anticipated this morning, with steadier showers anticipated by this afternoon. Forecasters said between a half-inch and 1.5 inches of rain are possible on the coast and in the valleys, with one to three inches possible in foothills and mountains.
A winter storm watch will be in effect through this evening in the Los Angeles County mountains — excluding the Santa Monica range — were heavy snow was possible, with accumulations of 8 to 12 inches above 6,000 feet and wind gusts as high as 60 mph.
Today’s high temperature is expected to be around 61 degrees in downtown Los Angeles.
Stormy conditions are expected to clear out by late Tuesday, with temperatures again climbing by 5 to 10 degrees, according to the NWS. Forecasters did say there was a slight chance of rain across the Southland late Thursday through Friday.
