LA weather: Second storm slams SoCal with strong winds and heavy rain
LOS ANGELES - The second storm to hit Southern California this week brought another round of powerful winds, heavy rain and mountain snow.
What we know:
The second of three storms moved through the area overnight with most of the rain moving out of the region in time for the morning commute. The rest of Wednesday is expected to be dry with cooler conditions.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), residents in the Inland Empire, as well as in LA, Ventura, Riverside, and Orange counties, saw heavy showers and thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts. Downed trees and brief power outages were also reported during the early morning hours.
Forecasters predicted a 60% chance of winds exceeding 70 mph in some mountain areas and the Antelope Valley from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, along with gusts topping 40 mph along the coasts and in valley areas. The NWS advised residents to take down awnings and umbrellas and avoid parking cars near trees.
For the local mountain communities, snow levels could drop to 3,500 feet, with heavy snowfall expected for higher elevations, including Big Bear, Crestline and Running Springs.
Winter storm downs trees across SoCal
An overnight storm packed a powerful punch in Southern California.
Warnings and advisories
A flood watch was in effect in Los Angeles County from 6 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday.
A high wind warning was in effect from 10 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday, with some gusts reaching up to 65 mph.
A winter storm warning is in effect in the San Bernardino County mountains through 10 p.m. Thursday.
Road closures
Topanga Canyon Boulevard (SR-27) from Pacific Coast Highway to Grand View Drive will remain closed until further notice due to impacts from the recent rain.
Topanga Canyon road closures impacting businesses
Business owners along Topanga Canyon say between the recent rains and floods and wildfires, the constant shutdown of road closures in the area is impacting their sales.
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More wet weather ahead
What's next:
Much of Wednesday will be dry and the third and final storm arrives Thursday. That third storm will bring widespread rain through the region, but it won't be as heavy as earlier this week. Thursday's rain will be mainly in the morning and midday and taper off by the evening.
Friday through Monday will be dry and sunny, but rain returns on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Source: FOX 11's Kelli Johnson contributed to this report. Information for this story came from the National Weather Service and FOX 11 Meteorologist Adam Krueger.