Small storm system carries rain, snow to SoCal region

A late-season storm doused much of the Southland early Thursday and brought strong winds that damaged some commercial buildings in Carson, but while the sun emerged over most of the area by late morning, forecasters said more precipitation is possible into Friday.

By mid-morning Thursday, the National Weather Service indicated that the majority of the storm system had already passed through the area, but Los Angeles County “continues to experience widespread shower activity.”

“Despite the significant decrease in rain coverage … shower chances will continue in all areas through the day as the upper low is still overhead and moisture continues to get pulled in off the ocean,” according to the NWS. “Best chances will be in and near the mountains, but all areas will be at risk for additional showers through the day, some of which could be briefly heavy with small hail possible. Isolated thunderstorms are still possible mainly across LA/Ventura counties through (Thursday) afternoon as there is still some instability around.”

Much of the rainfall occurred overnight, but scattered showers continued after sunrise and made for a wet morning commute. The NWS even issued a flood advisory overnight that included Los Angeles County, warning of possible small stream and urban flooding.

In Carson, a strong storm cell hit an industrial area along Avalon Boulevard, ripping away parts of the roofs of two buildings and damaging at least one car with flying debris. There were no reports of any injuries.

The chance of showers will linger into Friday for some areas, forecasters said.

A winter weather advisory will be in effect until 5 p.m. Thursday in the eastern San Gabriel Mountains, with anticipated snow accompanied by winds of up to 45 mph.

Forecasters said some mountain areas could see 4 to 8 inches of snow at elevations above 6,000 feet, and a chance of accumulations exceeding a foot in some isolated spots before the storm dissipates. Lesser amounts of snow are possible down to 4,000 feet. Forecasters said there was a 30% chance of an inch or more of snow falling over the Grapevine stretch of Interstate 5 in northern Los Angeles County, so motorists should be on alert for possible closures or police escorts.

“Travel could be very difficult to impossible on mountain roadways, such as the Angeles Crest Highway,” according to the NWS.

Forecasters said “drier and warmer conditions are expected this weekend into next week.”