Community Corner

Storm Could Bring Big Surf, Little Rain

Forecasters said the first of two rain storms expect this week will pack a light punch, with just a 50 percent chance of showers Monday in Santa Monica.

The first of two Pacific storms expected this week targeted the Southland today, promising few showers, but fierce winds, high surf, low temperatures, and perilous driving conditions in local mountains.

National Weather Service forecasters said there is a 50 percent chance of showers in Santa Monia during daytime hours, dropping to 40 percent this evening. High temperatures of 61 degrees are forecast through Wednesday.

"A very weak front is washing out over the area," forecasters said. "It has a chance of producing a few showers but nothing to write home about. In fact, most areas north of Point Conception have reported a trace or less."

Find out what's happening in Santa Monicawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Along the coast, there will be a high risk of high rip currents today and over the next several days. A high surf advisory will be in force from 2 this afternoon until 8 a.m. Tuesday.

"These winds will generate a short period swell and cause surf from 6 to 8 feet this afternoon across the west facing beaches of Ventura and Los Angeles counties," the advisory states.

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The snow level in the Ventura and Los Angels county portions of the San Gabriel mountains generally will range today from 5,000 to 5,500 feet, than drop rapidly tonight to between 3,000 and 3,500 feet, according to the Weather Service.

An accumulation of between two and four inches of snow was expected above 4,000 feet, the agency said in an advisory. Additionally, "there will
likely be strong west to northwest winds with this system, with gusts up to 50
miles per hour.

"The low snow levels combined with gusty winds will likely have an impact by this evening across Interstate 5 near The Grapevine," the advisory said.

Mountain areas will be swept by west winds of between 20 and 35 mph this afternoon, gusting to 45 mph. Tonight, forecasters are expecting northwest winds in the 25-35-mph range, gusting to 50 mph, with the strongest winds likely in the Interstate 5 corridor, according to a Weather Service advisory.

A winter weather advisory issued by the NWS to indicate that blowing snow, sleet and freezing rain will make travel difficult will be in force in the San Gabriels from noon today through tonight.

"Residents and travelers to the mountains should be prepared for hazardous winter weather conditions and possible road closures," it said. "Interstate 5 near The Grapevine and Highway 33 in the Ventura County mountains could be impacted by snow and gusty winds tonight."

The Weather Service urged those who have to brave mountain travel today to be wary of slippery roads and limited visibility. It urged them to carry chains for
their tires, and extra water, food and clothing in case they become stranded.

Dry weather is expected Tuesday but a new storm will generate more
showers on Wednesday, according to the Weather Service.

— City News Service


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