An overnight round of high wind and sporadic downpours contributed to numerous traffic crashes, downed trees and flooding early Wednesday, but while blue skies greeted many residents by daybreak, forecasters warned that another round of precipitation is on tap for Thursday.
The second of three storm systems moved across Southern California overnight, dropping rain across much of the area along with snow on the Grapevine section of the Golden State (5) Freeway in northern Los Angeles County.
A series of crashes led to a full closure of the northbound 5 Freeway in Gorman for about three hours Wednesday morning, creating a miles-long backup as motorists were diverted onto state Route 138. That closure was lifted shortly after 9 a.m.
Several downed trees were reported across the area, along with some brief flooding that blocked some roadways, including a stretch of Pacific Coast Highway in the Hermosa Beach area that was briefly closed in the early morning hours when it was inundated by water.
There were also reports of a tree being struck by lightning and falling on power lines in Long Beach.
By Wednesday morning, the storm system had largely moved on, and blue skies prevailed across most of the region, except for some lingering snowfall over the Grapevine. But forecasters said the region isn’t done with the rain yet.
“The next system is on it’s way, expected to arrive during the overnight hours (Wednesday night) along the Central Coast and between 6 and 10 a.m. elsewhere,” according to the National Weather Service. “This will be a quick hitter, mainly around six hours of light to occasionally moderate rain, most of which should end before dinner. Winds will be gusty, especially in the mountains and the Antelope Valley where gusts between 50 and 70 mph are again possible. Not as windy at lower elevations as with the storm (Tuesday) night, but as the storm passes and winds shift to the west in the afternoon, winds are expected to increase to 20-40 mph across the area.”
The storm is expected to bring about a quarter to half-inch of rain in the coastal and valley areas and up to an inch in the mountains. Several inches of additional snow could also fall in the mountains, particularly above 5,000 feet. Snow levels are expected to fall to 4,000 feet Thursday morning, and again Thursday night, meaning more snow over the Grapevine.
A winter storm warning will be in effect until 7 a.m. Friday along the 5 Freeway corridor, with 1 to 4 inches of snow possible at lower elevations and up to a foot above 4,500 feet, according to the NWS. The warning will also be in effect for the San Gabriel Mountains, Antelope Valley foothills and the 14 Freeway corridor.
Wind gusts of up to 60 to 70 mph are possible late Wednesday night into Thursday morning in those areas, and through the Grapevine. Forecasters warned of slippery road conditions.
Mayor Karen Bass and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda Solis previously warned residents in vulnerable areas to take precautions and be prepared for potential emergency warnings this week. Both leaders said officials had extra staff deployed to respond to any emergencies. The county made it through heavy rain on Monday without any major issues such as severe rockslides or mud and debris flows.
No evacuation orders were issued Monday, but several roads flooded, including an intersection at 12330 W. Olympic Blvd. in West Los Angeles, where seven vehicles were stalled.
Los Angeles residents can monitor emergency alerts at NotifyLA.org.
Topanga Canyon Boulevard remained closed in both directions Wednesday from Pacific Coast Highway to Grand View Drive, according to Caltrans. The agency said Monday that multiple locations within the closure had mud and debris slides.
That stretch of road, also know as state Route 27, is an active work zone for ongoing recovery efforts from last year’s Palisades Fire and winter storms. It is typically closed to the public from midnight to 5 a.m. daily.
Very large waves are expected across coastal waters through Friday night. High surf advisories and beach hazard statements are in effect for all coasts.
Temperatures have been dropping sharply this week as well, with daytime highs remaining in the mid-50s in most of Los Angeles and Orange counties all week, and dropping to the low 50s and even upper 40s in the Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys.