Hundreds Of Accidents Reported On LA County Freeways Due To Heavy Rain
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Officials say 249 accidents were reported on freeways throughout Los Angeles County between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. Friday.
Only 68 accidents were reported during the same time period last week when conditions were dry.
A car reportedly overturned on the connector ramp from the southbound Golden State (5) Freeway to the eastbound Ventura (134) Freeway in Glendale at about 6:30 p.m.
Traffic signals were also out at four intersections near Pacific Coast Highway and Second Street in Long Beach.
"Rain and snow will likely be heavy at times, especially late this morning through the afternoon hours," according to an NWS advisory. "Steady rain and snow will turn to showers tonight."
Orange County also saw its share of accidents Friday. Firefighters carried out two swiftwater rescues as the storm swept through the county.
The first one involved a transient who got swept up in a creek in Stanton and was washed two miles down to Cypress, where police came to his rescue at about 1:45 p.m., Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Marc Stone said.
O.C. firefighters responded to another rescue in Irvine when a pickup truck got stuck while crossing a flooded creek. Four passengers were rescued but the truck was unable to be removed as of Friday evening.
Friday's storm was also producing thunderstorms and hail across Southern California.
Wind advisories will be in effect throughout the day for most areas. There is a winter storm warning for the mountains with snow levels possibly going down to 3,500 feet by this evening. There will be blowing snow and accumulation of eight to 10 inches above 5,500 feet.
Rainfall estimates with this storm will be a little higher than earlier this week. It looks like .5″ to 1.5″ in the flatlands with higher totals in the foothills, according to CBS2's Chief Meteorologist Josh Rubenstein.
