Southern California residents can expect a respite from recent mild weather as a potent pair of storms prepares to sweep the region, bringing significant rain and snowfall in their wake.
According to the National Weather Service, the first storm system, heralded by strong rains, is set to make landfall Wednesday night and peak during Thursday’s early hours, particularly around Los Angeles County.
A flood watch is in effect for counties across Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange, covering Thursday morning to Friday morning. The flood watch was in anticipation of “excessive runoff [that] may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” according to the NWS.
The incoming storm system is also predicted to see snowfall extending across the San Gabriel Mountains and into mountain areas of Riverside and Ventura counties, amounting to as much as 24 inches of snow above 7,000 feet.
Winter storm warnings underscore the hazardous conditions expected to envelop the mountains, where considerable snow accumulation may lead to significant travel delays. For those planning mountain travel, authorities urged caution, recommending carrying winter emergency supplies.