California's latest atmospheric river brings another round of rain, gusty winds, mountain snow

Spring is off to a stormy start in California with yet another atmospheric river, bringing gusty winds, heavy downpours, mountain snow, and even tornadoes. 

The area enjoyed a brief break from the rain over the weekend, but the latest storm increases fears of flooding and landslides, while residents in the San Bernardino Mountains can’t seem to catch a break.

The bulk of the storm began Monday night into Tuesday, with lingering rain on Wednesday. FOX 11 Meteorologist Maria Quiban said the latest storm is cold and dynamic, with a lot of instability. In addition, the storm system is aimed directly at Southern California.

It's the 12th atmospheric river to hit the region in recent months. 

In addition to rain, two tornadoes were confirmed in SoCal, one in Montebello and another in Carpinteria

For residents in the mountain communities, between two and four feet of snow fell for elevations above 6,000 feet.

As the unstable conditions continue, the National Weather Service extended several weather alerts across the Southland.

Los Angeles County

Angelenos dealt with heavy rainfall Tuesday, and saw intense precipitation during the evening hours. The rain and wind continued into Wednesday and is expected to die down Thursday. 

For the mountain communities in Los Angeles County, snow was spotted Tuesday night, including the Tejon Pass. Traffic was escorted along the 5 Freeway corridor for a brief period before reopening.

Between two and five feet of snow was expected at elevations above 6,000 feet, and as many as two to 10 inches of snow between 3,500 and 5,000 feet.

Weather Alerts

  • A Flood Watch was in effect through Wednesday at 5 p.m.
  • A High Surf Advisory was in effect from 2 a.m. Wednesday to 2 a.m. Thursday.
  • A Winter Storm Warning went into effect at 7 a.m. Tuesday and remains in place through 11 p.m. Wednesday
  • As of 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, all beaches in LA County had been closed due to thunderstorms.
  • From noon to about 6 p.m. Wednesday, Topanga Canyon Boulevard was closed from Pacific Coast Highway to Grand View Drive in the Malibu area, so crews can remove a loose boulder that officials say could fall onto the roadway from an embankment, according to Caltrans.

Inland Empire

San Bernardino and Riverside counties were battered with heavy downpours Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Weather Alerts

  • A High Wind Warning was in effect Wednesday in the Victorville area.
  • A Flood Watch was in effect from Tuesday at 5 a.m. to Wednesday at 5 p.m.
  • A Winter Storm Warning went into effect at 6 a.m. Tuesday through Wednesday at 6 p.m.

More snow is on the way for the San Bernardino Mountains. On Tuesday an evacuation warning was issued due to potential mud and debris flow for the communities of El Dorado and Apple fire burn scars. The warning was lifted around 4 p.m. for the communities of Oak Glen, Forest Falls, Mountain Home Village, Angelus Oaks, and Northeast Yucaipa.

SUGGESTED: Resources available for San Bernardino mountain residents affected by snowstorm

Orange County

Pockets of heavy rain hit the area Tuesday with thunderstorms Wednesday morning. 

Weather Alerts

  • A Flood Watch was in effect through Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Road Closures

  • Due to flooding, Pacific Coast Highway is closed in both directions between Warner Avenue and Seapoint Street in Huntington Beach
  • The northbound 5 Freeway off-ramp is closed to Main St./Broadway in Santa Ana

Ventura County 

The storm began making its way into Ventura County Monday evening. Conditions intensified with wind gusts close to 50 mph. 

Weather Alerts

  • A Tornado Warning was briefly issued for Thousand Oaks before expiring 8:45 p.m. Tuesday.
  • A Flood Watch was in effect through Wednesday at 5 p.m.