What to Know
- Lighter snow accumulations will be possible as low as 2,500 feet.
- Showers are in the forecast for much of Southern California
- Conditions are expected to dry out Wednesday
California Highway Patrol officers were escorting drivers through a treacherous stretch of freeway north of Los Angeles early Tuesday as a winter storm ushers cold air and snow into Southern California.
Heavy snow is in the forecast, with additional snow accumulations of 8 to 14 inches for elevations above 7,000 feet through early Wednesday, with 2 to 4 inches possible at 4,000 feet, including the 5 Freeway near the Grapevine north of LA.
Drivers were cautioned to be prepared for significant reductions in visibility.
"With the blizzard conditions, driving these areas is not recommended," said NBC4 forecaster Anthony Yanez.
Lighter snow accumulations will be possible as low as 2,500 feet.
Periods of south to southwest wind gusts between 35 and 45 mph are expected.
The Tejon Pass/Grapevine area will likely see delays due to periods of snow through Tuesday night.
The Antelope Valley (14) Freeway through Soledad Canyon could also be coated with snow.
A winter storm warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous or impossible. Anyone who must travel, is advised to keep an extra flashlight, food and water in their vehicle in case of an emergency.
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Rain fell on much of Los Angeles and Orange counties Monday, prompting a flash-flood warning for the Woolsey Fire burn area in Malibu. The showers, expected to last through Tuesday, will bring about .25 to half an inch of rain, and 1 to 3 inches of snow at resort level.
"The difference with this system is it brings colder air and that will translate to more snow at a lower level," Yanez said.
Winds reached 51 mph in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area and 39 mph in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Los Angeles County rainfall totals included 1.02 inches in Northridge; .90 of an inch in Burbank; .84 of an inch in Pasadena; .77 of an inch at the Getty Center; .36 of an inch at Los Angeles International Airport; and .26 of an inch in downtown Los Angeles.
Orange County rainfall totals included .76 of an inch in Lake Forest; .65 of an inch at John Wayne Airport; and .45 of an inch in Yorba Linda.
All the rain and snow moves out Tuesday night leaving us with a three day stretch of dry weather and another chance of rain on Saturday.
