Cold Late-Season Storm Brings Second Round Of Rain, Snow To The Southland
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A cold late-season storm continued to bring rain and snow to the Southland Friday.
The storm continued to threaten waterspouts near the coast and mud flows above the foothill communities, according to the National Weather Service.
There was a chance of isolated thunderstorms that could generate brief and heavy rainfall, lightning and small hail, officials said.
Strong winds will continue in the Antelope Valley, blowing at speeds of between 20 and 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 to 55 mph. A wind advisory will be in effect from 2 to 9 p.m., according to the NWS.
Snow levels in the San Gabriel Mountains will be between 5,000 and 6,000 feet, creating winter-type driving conditions that will require chains in some areas. A winter weather advisory will remain in effect in the San Gabriels above 6,000 feet through 8 p.m.
Downtown Los Angeles received .16 of an inch of rain Thursday, breaking the previous record of .03 in 1902, and the Los Angeles International Airport received .17 of an inch, which broke the record of .06 set in 1962, officials said.
The Department of Public Works says that about 213 million gallons of rain water was captured in various catch basins since Thursday - enough, they say, to serve more than 5,000 people for a year.
Agencies like the Department of Water and Power are holding off on the celebrations, however.
"These two rain events don't get us out of the drought. We still need to cut back and check on all our leaks," said DWP's Penny Falcon. "Check and when you do turn your irrigation on for outdoors only turn it on for two days a week."
L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti echoed the remarks, noting that while "every little bit of rain helps," the state's drought "remains critical.
"Angelenos must continue aggressive conservation efforts in the wake of this storm. Sprinklers should be turned off for at least a week," he said.
The storm originated in the Gulf of Alaska and is expected the leave the region Friday. Temperatures will be in the 60s.
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