A storm that originated in the Gulf of Alaska brought more rain to Southern California, with forecasters warning of possibly hazardous cells that could result in thunder, lightning, hail and heavy downpours in some areas, and snow in mountain areas Thursday.
The storm system did not linger in the area very long Wednesday, with the bulk of the activity forecast to move out of the region by later Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
The highest rain totals were reported in Orange County. There were 1.06 inches reported at Segunda Deshecha Canada, 0.94 inches reported at the Orange County Reservoir, 0.90 inches reported in Huntington Beach, and 0.87 inches reported in Rialto.
A winter weather advisory will be in effect through 6 a.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 was expected Wednesday and Wednesday night, with lingering snow showers and gusty winds anticipated on Thursday, according to the NWS.
Forecasters had anticipated a total of about a quarter to three-quarters of an inch of rain, although if thunderstorms develop, some areas could see totals topping an inch. In fact, if heavy cells do develop, some areas might see rain falling at a rate of up to an inch per hour.
“Dry weather will return Thursday except for some lingering showers in the mountains,” according to the NWS.