A storm that originated in the Gulf of Alaska is expected to reach Southern California late Tuesday evening or early Wednesday, bringing light-to-moderate rain to the area and snow in some higher elevations.
A winter weather advisory will be in effect from noon Wednesday through 9 p.m. Thursday in the San Gabriel Mountains and the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) freeway corridors. According to the National Weather Service, as much as 8 inches of snow could fall at elevations over 6,500 feet, up to 5 inches as low as 5,500 feet and up to 2 inches at 4,500 feet.
The heaviest snowfall is expected Wednesday and Wednesday night, with lingering snow showers and gusty winds anticipated on Thursday, according to the NWS.
For the rest of the area, cold temperatures and rain will be on tap Wednesday into Thursday. Forecasters said most areas will see between a quarter- and half-inch of rain, with as much as an inch falling in some mountain areas. The system will also lower temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday, “as an Arctic air mass is ushered in” behind the storm.
“Isolated thunderstorms are possible with this storm,” according to the NWS. “An unsettled and showery weather pattern will likely linger into Thursday, then drier conditions should develop for the end of the week.”