‘Powerful’ storm bringing rain, wind, snow to Southern California

LOS ANGELES — A “potent” and “powerful late-season winter-like storm” will generate moderate to heavy rain Monday in Southern California, likely causing minor mud and debris flows over slopes denuded by wildfires and hazardous winter-weather conditions in the mountains, including a dusting of snow over Interstate 5 through the Grapevine, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS forecast between 1 and 2 inches of rain in coastal and valley areas and 3 to 5 inches in the San Gabriel Mountains. Hourly rain rates are expected to be between a quarter-inch and a half-inch per hour but could rise to three-quarters of an inch on south-facing mountain slopes, where thunderstorms are also possible, forecasters said.

A record rainfall rate for an April 5 was recorded Sunday at Sandberg in the LA County portion of the San Gabriels. The 0.51 inch recorded bested the 0.5 set in 1969.

For those who still have to drive despite the coronavirus quarantine, the NWS warned that this week’s conditions may result in a wet commute in LA, Ventura, and Orange counties, travel delays, rocks and boulders tumbling onto roadways, minor mud and debris flows in burn areas, and urban roadway flooding.

Accompanying the rain will be south winds gusting to between 45 and 55 miles per hour.

In the San Gabriel Mountains in LA and Ventura counties, a winter storm warning will be in effect until 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The snow level will drop to around 5,500 feet Monday and down to between 4,000 and 4,500 feet by Tuesday morning, and “significant snowfall accumulation is likely in the mountains of Ventura and Los Angeles counties,” according to an NWS statement.

Between 15 and 30 inches of snow is expected above 6,000 feet and between 6 and 12 inches between 4,500 and 6,000 feet, according to the NWS. Lighter accumulations are expected down to 4,000 feet by late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.

“In addition, light snow accumulations are likely on Interstate 5 over the Grapevine by late Monday night or early Tuesday, possibly resulting in travel delays,” warned the NWS.

“Heavy snow, gusty winds, low visibilities in blowing snow and icy roads will make for dangerous driving conditions,” warned the NWS statement. “These conditions could lead to road closures and travel delays. In addition, light snow accumulations are likely on Interstate 5 over the Grapevine by late Monday night or early Tuesday, possibly resulting in travel delays.”

The NWS urged people who have to drive in the mountains to keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicles.

Thunderstorms are possible across Southern California’s coastal waters because of the “cold, potent storm” said the NWS, adding that the storm system will move slowly southward from northern California through the middle of the week.

“Any thunderstorms that form will be capable of producing chaotic locally gusty winds and rough seas, dangerous lightning, heavy rainfall with reduced visibility, and isolated waterspouts, The NWS warned in a statement. “If a waterspout is spotted, head away at a 90 degree angle from the apparent direction.”

The NWS forecast rain Monday and highs of 41 on Mount Wilson; 55 in Palmdale and Lancaster; 57 in Santa Clarita; 58 in Claremont; 60 in Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, North Hollywood, Woodland Hills, Granada Hills, Canoga Park, Burbank, Pomona, West Covina and San Gabriel; 61 in Avalon, Studio City, Winnetka, Chatsworth, Northridge and Pasadena; 62 in Glendale and San Pedro; 63 in Whittier, Long Beach, Hawthorne and Torrance; and 64 in downtown LA and at LAX. Showers are forecast Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, followed by cloudy days.

Orange County’s forecast includes heavy rain during the day on Monday with a chance of showers in the evening. There is a 40% chance of showers Tuesday and a 60% chance on Wednesday, with rain chances continuing into Thursday. Highs Monday include 57 in San Clemente; 58 in Mission Viejo and Laguna Niguel; 59 in Newport Beach; 60 in Anaheim, Irvine and Huntington Beach; 61 in Santa Ana and Garden Grove.