Winter Storm Brings Snow, Rain to Southland

The second of two late-winter storms brought chilly temperatures to Southern California, and is poised to bring rain and snow Thursday night into Friday.

Weather Page: Interactive Radar | Send Us Your Weather Photos

Bringing with it clouds in most areas and scattered showers in others, the first cold storm system moved through Thursday. 

The second, stronger front muscled its way in late Thursday, halting traffic in Running Springs after a driver lost control of his truck, plunging into a ditch. California Highway Patrol officials said the driver did not heed their warning to use chains.

Rain and fog made for low visibility along Highway 330 Thursday night. The snow level was about 5,000 feet.

"It's going to be a mess for your Friday commute," said NBC4 forecaster Elita Loresca. "Instead of this storm making a northeast turn, it's going to start to turn toward the south and that will increase our chances of wet weather."

Heavy downpours and hail are possible Thursday night through Friday evening. Radar showed the storm had been making its way south since mid-day.

The storm might bring a quarter to a half-inch of rain overnight and Friday, with up to an inch in the mountains. Several more inches of snow could affect mountain passes, including the Grapevine area of the 5 Freeway north of Los Angeles.

Closures are possible on mountain roads in Angeles National Forest.

"The heavier stuff doesn't roll in until overnight tonight," Loresca said.

Winter storm warnings will be in effect Thursday night for all mountain areas. Road closures will be in effect as of 10 p.m. for some routes through Angeles National Forest:

  • Angeles Forest Highway, Aliso Canyon Road to SR-2/Angeles Crest Highway
  • Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road, Angeles Forest Highway to SR-2/Angeles Crest Highway

Temperatures are expected to climb into the 70s early next week.

Contact Us