Strong Winter Storm Slams Region

0

The first of three expected storms hit the region Friday, bringing rain to coastal areas, promising heavy rainfall over much of L.A. County for a few days and raising fears of flooding.


By mid-morning Friday, rain was heaviest in central Los Angeles, Burbank and Santa Clarita although there was really wasn’t any area of L.A. County that wasn’t being drenched.


The storm was forecast to produce rain and snow over western mountain ranges before daybreak and then continue moving eastward into L.A. County over the course of the morning.


Strong winds were expected in the valleys and downtown L.A., where southeast winds in the 25-35 mph range were expected to decrease in strength Friday afternoon to between 15 and 25 mph.


A wind advisory was in effect Friday morning in L.A. County valleys, coastal and metropolitan areas of Greater Los Angeles and in Orange County. There was also a high surf advisory scheduled to remain in effect through Saturday.


The storm raised fears of flash flooding, and a flood watch scheduled to expire Tuesday afternoon was in effect in coastal areas of Orange County and the Santa Ana mountains and foothills.


The severe weather wreaked havoc on freeways, causing slick roads and multiple accidents. The Golden State (5) Freeway’s northbound lanes were blocked at Parker Road in L.A. County and the 5 was closed at the Grapevine Friday morning because of snow.


Snow levels were forecast to average 5,000 to 6,000 feet through Saturday afternoon. Snow accumulations of between two and four feet were expected through Sunday.


A winter storm warning was in effect Friday until 4 p.m. Sunday in mountain areas other than the Santa Monica range.

No posts to display