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...a very cold storm system will impact southwest california friday into saturday...
A very cold low pressure system originating from canada will move southward along the west coast on thursday...then impacting southwest california friday into saturday.
The initial cold front will bring about 3 to 5 hours of moderate to heavy rain and mountain snow to san luis obispo and santa barbara counties on friday...spreading into ventura and los angeles counties late friday afternoon into friday night. Behind the cold front... A very cold and unstable air mass will continue to bring a threat of showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms into saturday. Some of these post-frontal storms could bring brief heavy downpours... Hail...gusty winds...and waterspouts. Preliminary rainfall amounts are generally expected to range from one half to one inch across the coastal and valley areas...with one to two inches possible in the foothills and lower mountain elevations.
The main impacts of this upcoming storm system will be the potential for significant snowfall accumulation and strong winds in the mountains...as well as the potential for very low snow levels behind the front. The majority of the snowfall in the mountains is expected to be associated with the cold front...when snow levels are generally expected to be around 4000 feet. Behind the cold front...snow levels will fall rapidly...as low as 500 feet north of point conception...and 1000 feet south of point conception. Preliminary snow estimates with this upcoming storm system are 1 to 2 feet across the mountains above 4000 feet...with lesser accumulations below 4000 feet. Late friday night into saturday...lighter snow accumulations will be possible across the antelope valley floor...santa monica mountains...and santa clarita valley. In addition...many foothill and higher valley locations will be at risk for light snowfall...especially those communities near the mountains.
In addition...strong southwest winds gusting over 50 mph will be possible with the front...potentially creating brief whiteout conditions. As we draw closer to the event...a winter storm watch will likely be posted for all of the mountains and possibly the antelope valley...while other lower elevation locations may require winter weather advisories.
Snow and icy conditions will likely impact many of our major mountain roadways...including interstate 5 from the grapevine to santa clarita...as well as highway 14 from santa clarita valley to the antelope valley...including the soledad canyon. Due to the unusually low snow levels expected...some of the lower elevation roadways that are especially at risk for snow include highway 101 (especially near cuesta pass)...highway 154...highways 41 and 46 in san luis obispo county...as well as highways 126 and 118 in ventura county.
This storm has the potential to bring some of the lowest snow levels we have seen in recent times. With such low snow levels possible...this upcoming storm system could be deadly for unprepared motorists...campers or hikers. Anyone planning to travel into the mountains on friday and saturday should be prepared for winter storm conditions with very cold temperatures. Remember to always carry an emergency kit in your car in case you encounter hazardous driving conditions. Stay tuned for the latest national weather service forecasts and statements as this unusually cold winter storm approaches the southland.
Weather was just fantastic. A bit chilly when I started but very clear. I tried to get to the mountains for a picture of the car in the snow but Big Tujunga was shut down after a few miles due to storm cleanup. I guess we are running out of roads to go there :confused:
I probably should have continued with Doug for the Rock Store.
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