Los Angeles

Afternoon Rain Moves Across Southern California

The system might produce periods of heavy rainfall Friday afternoon in Southern California

A fast-moving storm is moving through Southern California and brought heavy rain, as well as fierce winds that downed several power poles in the Riverside area.

By early Friday afternoon, the system brought rain in Ventura County and pushed east through Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire by 5 p.m. A flash flood warning was issued for parts of Ventura County, including the Solimar burn area, at midday.

An estimated 3,000 customers in the Riverside area were without power at 7 p.m., according to Riverside Public Utilities. They said they received a huge influx of calls, and were working to fix the outages as soon as possible. By 10 p.m., 150 customers were without power.

Strong winds blasting through the area at a recorded 51 mph snapped eight power poles, the National Weather Service said. The downed poles were located at Pierce Street and Collett Avenue, as well as Pierce Street and Riverwalk Parkway, Riverside police said.

Riverside Public Utilities advised that if anyone comes across a downed power line to stay away and call 911.

"Most of the wet weather and the chance of thunderstorms will hit in the early afternoon," said NBC4 meteorologist Crystal Egger. "This storm will bring a quick bout of rain, mountain snow, isolated thunder and gusty winds."

There could be enough rain to trigger mud and debris flows over slopes previously denuded by wildfire, especially if thunderstorms develop. Rainfall totals are expected to average a half-inch to 1.5 inch, with the higher amounts expected in the Central Coast. In the Antelope Valley, a quarter-inch to a half-inch is expected.

The snow level will start out high but fall to between 5,000 and 5,500 feet Friday evening and later, to 4,500 feet. There is a slight chance that snow could fall on portions of the 5 Freeway in northern Los Angeles County. Between four and eight inches of snow are expected above 6,000 feet

The storm is expected to move out by early Saturday.

Also expected Friday afternoon and evening are gusty winds, especially in the San Gabriel Mountains and the Antelope Valley. Additionally, there is a slight chance of waterspouts and thunderstorms, which could unleash small hail.

The NWS forecast more mild, above-average temperatures today, followed by a sharp cool-down Friday.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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