The latest storm system moved into Southern California on April 4, bringing cold temperatures and possibly snow at elevations as low as 3,000 feet.
Sunny skies were replaced by thick storm clouds Thursday afternoon in Los Angeles County as thermometers dropped to the mid-60s.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning, advising residents to expect showers and possible thunderstorms in the region from Thursday night to Friday night.
“After a few warm days, today will feel much cooler with highs topping out around 60 at best for the coast and valleys and 40s/50s in the mountains,'' the National Weather Service (NWS) said.
The region may see some afternoon clearing, but the cold front will bring the first round of showers by evening, the NWS said.
Snow was expected in the mountains in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, up to 10 inches above 6,000 feet. Lower elevations could expect up to 6 inches above 5,000 feet and 3 inches above 3,000 feet, the NWS reported.
The NWS also warned of hazardous conditions for motorists on mountain roads and passes, including Tejon Pass, also known locally as the Grapevine—a section of Interstate 5 from Castaic to the San Joaquin Valley.
“If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of emergency,” the NWS said. “Travel could be very difficult to impossible.”
In the San Diego County mountains, including the cities of Julian and Pine Valley, a weather advisory remained in effect Thursday. The area was expected to get up to 4 inches of snowfall at elevations of 4,000 to 5,000 feet, and up to 8 inches above 5,000 feet.
Winds were expected to gust up to 60 miles per hour Thursday evening.
