Southern California gets hit with powerful storm bringing rain, mountain snow, gusty winds

Strong winter storm barrels down SoCal

For some it was a fun snow day while for others it was a mess driving and cleaning up after a strong storm brought historic rain and snow to Southern California.

LOS ANGELES - The coldest storm of the season hit Southern California Thursday bringing gusty winds, rain, and snow into the region – even the area’s first Blizzard Warning in over three decades.

The winter storms shut down multiple roads and freeways due to snow and flooding.

"Do not travel on any of the mountain roads unless it's absolutely essential," warned FOX 11 meteorologist Rick Dickert. "And bring your chains."

Models show there will be a break in the storm Sunday before rain chances return Monday.

Here’s what happened across Southland.

Los Angeles County

In Los Angeles County, some of the major roads were flooded by the heavy rain Friday.

In North Hollywood, multiple cars were stuck in floodwaters, unable to move for hours. The flooding shut down Vineland Avenue between Vanowen Street and Sherman Way Friday night.

North Hollywood road closed after severe flooding

Vineland Avenue between Vanowen and Sherman way is now closed due to severe flooding.

Studio City hit with sleet

A powerful winter storm brought snow to Studio City.

Some parts of LA even saw sleet and snow. FOX 11's Phil Shuman took a video of sleet coming down in Studio City while FOX 11's Chelsea Edwards saw hail and a small amount of snow at the Hollywood sign.

Snow, hail fall near Hollywood sign during coldest storm in years

Some hail and light snow fell Thursday morning near the Hollywood sign.

Dangerous rip currents are expected along the coast with large breaking waves of four to seven feet. Beachgoers are asked to stay out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions and the risk of ocean drowning.

On Saturday afternoon, all LA County beaches closed due to lightning strikes but reopened a few hours later.

SoCal offwicials warn Angelenos to avoid beach ahead of winter storms

Officials are warning the public to avoid the beach if possible as SoCal braces for heavy rain and damaging winds.

Weather Alerts

The Los Angeles County Public Works declared a Phase 2 Mud and Debris Forecast through the weekend for fire burn areas under three years of recovery. This includes parts of Azusa, Duarte, Glendale, Monrovia, the city of Los Angeles, La Tuna Canyon, and Sunland-Tujunga.

A winter weather advisory is in effect for the Antelope Valley until 4 a.m. Sunday
A winter weather advisory was also issued through 11 p.m. Saturday for Santa Clarita Valley as well as elevations above 1200 feet for San Fernando/San Gabriel Valleys.

Residents can report storm-related damage, traffic signal outages, flooding or other weather-related concerns to LA County Public Works by calling 1-800-675-4357.

(Getty Images)

LA’s mountain communities will get hit the hardest with continuous snow expected through Saturday night. On Friday, NWS said wind gusts have the potential to reach 70 mph. With the mix of heavy snow and gusty winds, a Blizzard Warning goes into effect starting Friday morning.

A Blizzard Warning was in effect before expiring Saturday

Blizzard Warning in effect for Los Angeles County mountains

A Blizzard Warning is in effect through Saturday afternoon.

San Bernardino and Riverside counties

Inland Empire communities above 2,000 first experienced the storm's impact over the course of the week.

Residents in Yucaipa saw a rare blanket of snow that started early Thursday morning.

Yucaipa, CA - February 23: Youth revel in the rare snowfall in Yucaipa with a view of the San Bernardino County mountains,(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) (Getty Images)

The snow hit Highway 18 between Crestline and Lake Arrowhead and for now, the roadway remains open. On Highway 189, one of the steepest in the area, over two dozen vehicles became stuck after a multi-car pileup.

Cars collide, get struck in San Bernardino County Mountains

At least two dozen vehicles were involved in a multi-car pileup in the Crestline area.

For those who don’t reside in the mountains in cities such as Ontario and Corona, showers hit Thursday, then heavy rain on Friday and Saturday. On Friday night, wind gusts reached up to 35 mph.

Winter storm makes for dangerous driving conditions in Cajon Pass

Mountain passes in the Inland Empire braced for potential closures.

Weather Alerts

Orange County

Orange County residents saw showers Thursday before heavy rain hit Friday and Saturday, with a punch of gusty winds. NWS said precipitation amounts will be between a half and three-quarters of an inch.

Weather Alerts

Ventura County

Evacuation Warnings in effect for Ventura County

Officials ordered evacuations some areas due to anticipated flooding and debris flow from 3 p.m. Thursday to 10 a.m. Saturday.

Ventura County saw heavy rainfall Friday and Saturday. Wind gusts reached up to 30 mph Friday night, with lows in the 30s.

Weather Alerts

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For all of the Ventura County mountain communities, including the Santa Susana Mountains, strong winds and cold wind chills will come with the snow. A Blizzard Warning went into effect at 4 a.m. Friday and will last to 4 p.m. Saturday. The NWS predicts total snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches for elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 feet and up to 5 feet for higher elevations.

Weather Alerts

Evacuation Warnings

The following areas were under an evacuation warning from Thursday, February 23rd at 3 p.m. through Saturday, February 25th at 10 a.m.

Matilija Canyon Road in areas north of Fairview Road, including North Fork and Camino Cielo, Ojai
Creek Road near San Antonio Creek and Old Creek Road, Ojai
Camp Chaffee at Casitas Vista Road near Camp Chaffee
Ventura Beach RV Park, Ventura (through 6:00 p.m. Friday)

Officials said travel is not recommended and should be restricted to emergencies only.

After a break in the storm Sunday, another one will make its way into the region.