A potent and fast-moving Pacific storm brought driving rain Friday to the Southland, along with stiff winds and the threat of mudslides on fire-stripped slopes.
Heavy rain drenched the Southland by early afternoon, but within a few hours the downpour receded, leaving scattered dark clouds across local skies. Forecasters warned, however, that sudden heavy showers could strike through early evening and a threat of flooding in many areas wouldn’t dissipate until around 7 p.m.
The National Weather Service predicted a dry, cool weekend ahead, but warned that showers could return to the Southland by Monday.
The rain Friday started along the Central Coast around midmorning and reached the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley early in the afternoon, drenching the end of former first lady Nancy Reagan’s funeral.
National Weather Service forecasters said they were tracking a line of strong storms in western Los Angeles County around 1:45 p.m., carrying the potential for heavy rain, possible thunderstorms, hail and wind gusts of 40 mph or more.
“Brief heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead to roadway flooding,” according to the NWS. “Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”
Forecasters said the storm was bearing down on areas including Woodland Hills, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Inglewood, Santa Monica, Venice and Beverly Hills.
Rainfall totals were expected to average a half-inch to 1.5 inch, with the higher amounts expected in the Central Coast. In the Antelope Valley, a quarter-inch to a half-inch is expected.
NWS forecasters said the snow level will start at around 6,500 feet, then fall to between 4,000 and 5,000 feet this evening.
Between 2 and 4 inches of snow are expected to accumulate from 5,000 to 6,500 feet, and between 3 and 6 inches above 6,500 feet.
“Be prepared for snow-covered roads and limited visibility, and use caution when driving,” according to the NWS, which urged motorists to keep emergency supplies on hand if they venture into mountain areas.
Forecasters said south-to-southwest winds of between 25 and 35 mph gusting to 50 mph would blow through mountain areas Friday while winds of between 20 and 30 mph, gusting to 45 mph, will sweep the Antelope Valley. In Los Angeles and around beach cities, forecasters expect winds of between 15 and 25 mph gusting at up to 40 mph.
A winter weather advisory denoting perilous travel conditions will be in effect in the San Gabriels until 6 a.m. Saturday.
A wind advisory will be in effect in the Antelope Valley until 10 p.m. and from 3 to 9 p.m. on Santa Catalina Island and in L.A. County beach cities, metropolitan Los Angeles, the downtown area, and the Hollywood Hills. In Orange County, a wind advisory will be in effect from 4 p.m. until 4 a.m. Saturday.
High surf is also in the forecast, and a high surf advisory will be in force in L.A. County from 4 p.m. Friday unto midnight Sunday. Off the coast, a small craft advisory will be in effect from 1 p.m. Friday until 3 a.m. Sunday.
Temperatures will be similar under dry skies Saturday and Sunday, but showers are forecast Monday. A warming trend taking highs back into the 70s is expected Tuesday, with temperatures reaching the 80s Wednesday.
— City News Service