California rain timeline: Dangerous winter storm to bring snow, frigid temps
LOS ANGELES - A storm that is forecasted by the National Weather Service to be the coldest of the season - and possibly the last several years - is bringing with it significant rain, wind, and snow to Southern California.
Weather officials described the storm's "rare pattern" as "prolonged very cold and unsettled," leading the National Weather Service to issue a Blizzard Warning for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties later this week.
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Originating from Alaska, the cold and dangerous storm will have a widespread impact across the region mainly from Wednesday through Saturday, with showers across coasts and valleys and snow mainly across the mountains and deserts, the NWS said.
Here's what you need to know.
High surf advisory in effect for parts of SoCal
The National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory that will remain in effect for all Los Angeles County beaches until at least 3 a.m. Thursday. Forecasters said waves of up to 12 feet were anticipated, along with powerful rip currents that "can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea." Forecasters also warned of possible coastal flooding.
What's the timeline of the storm?
Strong onshore winds ramp up Wednesday afternoon into the evening, according to FOX 11 meteorologist Rick Dickert.
Periods of rain begin Thursday afternoon and will last through Saturday, with showers heavy at times.
Highest rain chances are forecasted for Thursday and Friday, with coasts and valleys getting between 1.75-3.5", the NWS said.
Here's a look at rain timing and intensity predictions from the NWS based on county:
- Los Angeles: "Very heavy" from Friday 6 p.m. to Saturday 6 a.m.
- Ventura: "Very heavy" from Friday at noon to Saturday 12 a.m.
- Santa Barbara: "Heavy" from Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- San Luis Obispo: "Moderate" from Friday 12 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How much rain will we get?
Forecasted rain and snow totals have actually increased from the original predictions, the NWS said.
The moisture in the air could mean extended periods of precipitation, totaling as much as 5 inches in some areas by Sunday, and the snow level falling to about 1,500 feet.
What about snow?
Because this storm is forecasted to be very cold, low snow levels will be the major impact from this system, Dickert said. Areas including Lake Elsinore, Highland, Banning, Beaumont, Canyon Country, Lancaster, and Palmdale should all see some snow.
The highest chances for a "major snow event"will be Wednesday, then Friday through Saturday morning, according to the NWS, with the agency issuing a blizzard warning for the mountains in Los Angeles County and Ventura County beginning 4 a.m. Friday.
Models are suggesting snow across Santa Clarita, especially in the foothills, the NWS said.
A winter storm warning went into effect in the Los Angeles County mountains Tuesday evening and will continue until 4 a.m. Friday.
Between the Los Angeles and Ventura County mountains, the NWS predicts two to five inches of snow above 4,000 feet, with wind gusts up to 75 mph.
How cold will it be?
Wednesday will get even colder, with maximum temperatures hovering at 10 to 20 degrees below normal and most areas never getting out of the 50s.
Cool conditions are expected to last through at least Friday, although it could stretch into Saturday and possibly even Sunday, forecasters said.
LA County is opening winter shelters across the area. They will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through March 31, 2023.
To access the winter shelter program, you must be: at least 18 years old or older and experiencing homelessness. For information you can call 2-1-1 to be referred to a shelter location closest to you or call the Winter Shelter Hotline at 1-800-548-6047. A limited number of beds are available.
Will it be windy?
A Wind Advisory is in effect in the Los Angeles area, the San Fernando Valley, and the Santa Clarita Valley until 10 a.m. Wednesday, with wind gusts potentially reaching as high as 45 mph in some places.
Wind Advisories in the inland Orange County areas and the Inland Empire are in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday, with winds similarly reaching upwards of 40 mph.
Will there be high surf?
High surf is forecasted through Thursday, with up to 18 feet along the central coast and between 7 and 10 feet for Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
The National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory that will remain in effect for all Los Angeles County beaches until at least 3 a.m. Thursday.
"Make sure you know your limits," the NWS warned.
Breaking waves are possible at Morro Bay and Ventura Harbor entrances, the NWS said, and mariners are advised to remain in port and secure all vessels for severe wind.
"Dangerous conditions are capable of capsizing vessels," the NWS warned.
Officials warn against any type of water activity during this storm system as strong rip currents and high surf will be "hazardous to swimmers and beachgoers."
How will travel be impacted?
Travel impacts Wednesday night into Thursday morning for over the Grapevine on the 5 Freeway, the Cajon Pass on the 15 Freeway, the 10 Freeway along the Banning Pass, and Highway 14 Soledad Pass.
Sepulveda Pass will be snow free, but some of the highest peaks of the Santa Monica Mountains may see some snow, the NWS said.
"All mountain roadways will be impacted with dangerous winter weather conditions, including Interstate 5 through the Grapevine, Highway 14 and Highway 33,'' according to the NWS.
Get the latest updates on this storm and more weather alerts on foxla.com/weather.
City News Service contributed to this report.