Freezing temperatures blast Southern California

LOS ANGELES - Southern California residents got a true taste of winter thanks to the remnants of a storm system that caused below-normal temperatures for much of the area.

Temperatures were so cold in the overnight hours through Tuesday morning that the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Freeze Warning for the Santa Clarita Valley, Calabasas and the western San Fernando Valley. The warning was in place before expiring at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

A Frost Advisory was also issued from 1 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday in the San Gabriel Valley, eastern San Fernando Valley, and the Ventura County Inland Coast in cities such as Burbank, Glendale, Pomona, Montebello, Camarillo, and El Monte. 

Monday was the coldest night of the season so far for most of Southern California. Temperatures overnight dipped to as low as 29 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit for Santa Barbara, Ventura, LA, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. 

"Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops and other sensitive vegetation," according to the NWS. "Extended exposure to cold can cause hypothermia for animals and people. Vehicle windshields will be frosted."

Some minor relief from the cold temperatures came later Tuesday, with "a couple of degrees of warming" possible, particularly in interior areas. More clouds and gusty winds are possible in the Antelope Valley by Wednesday.

The NWS also issued a wind advisory that took effect at 10 a.m. Tuesday and continue through 4 p.m. Wednesday, followed by a high wind watch that'll be in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon in the western Antelope Valley foothills and the 5 Freeway corridor. 

Forecasters said winds of 20 to 30 mph were expected Tuesday into Wednesday, with gusts up to 55 mph possible. Conditions will worsen by Wednesday afternoon, with gusts of 60 to 70 mph possible, according to the NWS.

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A High Surf Advisory will take effect from Wednesday at 3 p.m. through 3 p.m. Thursday for west-facing beaches in Santa Barbara, L.A. and Ventura counties. Waves in Santa Barbara County could reach 12 to 17 ft. In LA and Ventura counties, surf could reach 6-9 ft. 

A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for Thursday from 4 a.m. to 12 p.m.