Winter storm brings blustery conditions to Southern California

Snow and freezing temps in Big Bear

Skiers and tourists got to experience real winter in Big Bear Lake.

Cold and occasionally wet conditions plagued the Southland Wednesday, with gusty winds blowing across the region.

The mountain areas in LA and San Bernardino counties received snow; rain showered parts of the area as well.

A freeze warning and watch is in effect for parts of Los Angeles County.

Some light rain fell Tuesday morning in the San Gabriel mountains, and forecasters said precipitation will remain possible through the day.

"A very cold storm system will move through the area through Wednesday, bringing a threat of rain and low-elevation snow showers and gusty winds along with a slight chance of thunderstorms with small hail tonight," according to the National Weather Service.

Snow showers blanket Cajon Pass

Caltrans is warning drivers about low visibility and potentially dangerous driving conditions.

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A winter weather advisory was in effect until noon Wednesday in the Los Angeles County Mountains and the Antelope Valley. Forecasters said the mountains could see snow accumulating up to 3 inches, with 5 inches possible in some localized areas and the snow level falling as low as 2,000 feet this morning. The snowy conditions will be accompanied by winds gusting up to 45 mph.

"This will be the coldest storm that we have seen so far this winter season, with the potential for widespread snow/ice impacts across many of our lower elevation passes which could make for difficult travel with potential delays or road closures," according to the NWS.

Due to the freezing conditions, LA Homeless has opened its Winter Shelter Program until March 2022 to help shelter unhoused residents. More information on the program can be found at LAHSA.org/Winter-Shelter.

As for the impact on our roads, NWS warns of possible hazardous winter driving conditions for those commuting on the 5 Freeway in the Grapevine. This week's winter weather could also bring hazardous driving conditions for Highways 14, 33, 138, 154 and 166, NWS warns.

The Antelope Valley could receive as much as an inch of snow on the valley floor, with up to 2 inches falling in the foothills. Winds will also gust through that area, reaching up to 40 mph.

A wind advisory that was expected to be in effect until 10 p.m. Tuesday in the Antelope Valley was instead canceled shortly after 3 p.m. But a wind advisory will remain in effect until 6 p.m. in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys and the coastal region stretching into downtown Los Angeles.

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