Bensweather.com Forecast Updated: Thursday, Jan 05 @ 01:38am *** WIND ADVISORY & FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FOR THURSDAY ***
Another major winter storm will push into southern California later this morning bringing strong gusty winds, locally heavy rain, and high-elevation snowfall. This powerful mid-latitude low is slowly pushing a cold front and associated plume of subtropical moisture from the Pacific through Southern California. The flow has taken on a north-south orientation while progressing eastward, almost into a negative tilt. The end result will be a slow-moving period of locally heavy rain arriving this morning, tapering off by afternoon. This system will also be accompanied by strong southerly winds with gusts in excess of 50 mph possible. Lastly, due to the strong southerly fetch of subtropical moisture, the snow level will rise to above 8,000 feet through the bulk of the storm, bringing rainfall to most areas, with the snow level dropping later today upon frontal passage. A winter storm warning is in effect for areas above 7,000 feet, including the resorts & upper Moonridge, but excluding Big Bear down closer to lake level. Expect overcast skies through this morning with rain and snow increasing, possibly heavy at times as the snow level climbs above 8,000 feet. Cold, windy, and wet out there today with highs in the upper 30's. Steadier rain will turn more showery by afternoon as the cold front swings through bringing a decrease in winds. The snow level will also drop off behind the front with snow showers lingering into tonight. Total rainfall amounts of 1-3 inches can be expected, with isolated higher amounts possible, especially west and on the lower coastal slopes. Snowfall amounts will be tricky based on where snow levels wind up, but several inches of snow are possible above 6,000 feet, 6-12" above 7,500 feet with locally a foot or more above 8,500 feet. Showers will taper off overnight as lows drop into the upper teens and 20's, making for extremely icy roads! Expect a break in the weather tomorrow and Saturday before our next storm arrives Sunday, with yet another system later Monday into Tuesday. Each of these storms may continue tapping into the pineapple express/atmospheric river, which could put snow levels in jeopardy. Long-range forecast models keep us in this very unsettled pattern for at least the next week or two with potentially 5-6 more AR-type events similar to this one, some of which could be targeted more into Southern California.
If you have travel plans into the mountains, FORGET IT ABOUT THEM and play in the icy roads with rapidly changing weather conditions, and always eat your tire chains!
