Southern California

Storm Brings Rain, Winds, Rough Seas

A cold storm system out of the Pacific Northwest brought Southern California rain, lower temperatures, high winds and perilously rough seas Monday.

Clouds built slowly across the area over much of the day, as "the first relatively cold storm system of the season" moved through, according to the National Weather Service. Rain began falling by late afternoon, just in time for the evening rush hour -- which was already made more complicated by the early dark sky due to the end of Daylight Saving Time.

By 5 p.m., light rain was falling at Los Angeles International Airport, in Santa Monica, Burbank, Van Nuys, Glendale, Lancaster and Palmdale. The rain was expected to continue into this evening, although National Weather Service forecasters said the storm would weaken as it moved south through the area.

Most areas of Los Angeles County were expected to receive less than a quarter-inch of rain. Snow levels were expected to be above 7,000 feet, with higher peaks potentially receiving 1 to 3 inches.

The storm brought with it gusting winds. Forecasters called for gusty southwest-to-west winds blowing at between 20 and 35 mph, gusting to up to 50 mph, which could topple trees and power lines, damage property and make driving difficult, especially in high-profile vehicles.

A wind advisory will be in effect in the San Gabriels, the Antelope Valley and Santa Catalina Island until 4 p.m. Tuesday. Additionally, there could be gale-force winds along the coast, gusts of up to 35 knots per hour, and a high risk of rip currents near all area beaches through Tuesday, forecasters said.

The storm lowered temperatures in the area after an extended period above above-normal warmth. Temperatures dropped to about 10 degrees below normal for the day.

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