From flooding in roadways to oversaturated soil weakening trees, the heavy rain is causing problems for many SoCal residents. Tracey Leong reports for the NBC4 News on Feb. 24, 2023.
What to Know
Widespread rain and snow are in the forecast into Saturday.
A blizzard warning is in effect for LA, Ventura and San Bernardino county mountains.
Two to 5 feet of snow are possible by Saturday.
A powerful winter storm will delivered widespread heavy rain and potentially historic snowfall as it moved through Southern California.
Severe weather alerts, including the region's first blizzard warning in decades and a flash flood warning for Los Angeles County, were issued as the cold storm fueled by an atmospheric river over the Pacific unleashed a torrent of moisture. The blizzard warning, indicating snow or blowing snow, reduced visibility and sustained winds of 35 mph or greater, will be in effect for Los Angeles, Ventura and San Bernardino county mountains Friday morning through Saturday afternoon.
Several mountain roads, including the 5 Freeway in northern Los Angeles County, were closed due to snow, ice and poor visibility.
Other areas face flood watches, wind advisories and high surf advisories.
Fallen trees were reported in areas like Santa Barbara and Valley Village where many cars were damaged.
Over 9,000 of Southern California Edison customers in LA County were also affected by power outages during the storm.
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LA County locations in the warning area include widespread parts of the San Fernando Valley, Griffith Park, downtown LA, Beverly Hills, Alhambra, Santa Clarita, Whittier, West Covina and other parts of the San Gabriel Valley. The warning includes all recent burns scars.
In Los Angeles County, the heaviest rain is expected around 11 p.m. and into the overnight.
Dropped radar data to help show the areas under the Flash Flood Warning.
A blizzard warning went into effect at 4 a.m. and will continue until 4 p.m. Saturday for LA and Ventura county mountains. Snow totals are expected to reach up to 5 feet at elevations above 4,000 feet by Saturday night.
Areas under the blizzard warning include, Mount Wilson, the Grapevine section of the 5 Freeway, Acton, Mount Pinos and Frazier Park. Travel is highly discouraged in Southern California's mountains.
The 5 Freeway was closed through the Tejon Pass early Friday due to snow and ice. State Route 18 was closed in both directions from its split with Highway 330 in Running Springs to Big Bear Dam due to snow drift and stuck vehicles.
"This is the second time we've seen a blizzard warning in over 30 years," said NBC4 forecaster Belen De Leon. "So we're going to see excessive snow in the mountains and gusts up to 75 mph, plus reduced visibility."
Weather officials are warning blizzard conditions along with snow, strong winds and low visibility would make it very difficult to drive through the San Bernardino County mountains.
The blizzard warning does not include the Santa Monica Mountains.
The blizzard warning was extended Thursday to include the San Bernardino County mountains. Communities in the warning area area Wrightwood, Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline and Running Springs.
The NWS San Diego office said the blizzard warning is the first issued by the office.
"Travel will be VERY DIFFICULT TO IMPOSSIBLE due to the extremely heavy snow and extremely high winds expected," the agency tweeted.
We are still on track for our DANGEROUS winter storm. Expect blizzard conditions in the mountains with FEET of snowfall. A few inches of rain are expected in lower elevations. Be weather ready! #CAwx#LArain#LAsnow#blizzardpic.twitter.com/HbUn08J2qQ
"You don't want to be on the road (Friday)," said De Leon.
Saturday: Rain, Snow Through the Morning
Two to 5 feet of snow are expected above 5,000 feet by Saturday as the storm continues to hammer the region. Some areas could get as much as 7 feet.
Snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are possible by Saturday night at elevations as low as 2,000 feet.
Heavy rain will fall overnight in widespread parts of Southern California. By 10 a.m., snow and rain will begin to diminish with showers lingering into Sunday.
"The rain is getting heavier Friday evening through Saturday morning," said De Leon.
Rain and Snow Estimates
Rainfall estimates range from 2 to 5 inches for most areas and 5 to 7 inches in foothill communities.
Snowfall estimates include 2 to 5 feet, and possibly up to 7 feet, above 5,000 feet. Elevations between 3,500 and 4,500 feet will see 6 to 18 inches of snow.
Rainfall totals as of 10 a.m. Friday included 1.12 inches at the Hollywood Reservoir and in Santa Monica, 1.48 inches in Beverly Hills, 2.62 inches in Woodland Hills, 1.63 inches in Northridge. 1.63 inches in East Pasadena and 1.93 inches in Newhall.
Another storm is on track to arrive Tuesday into Wednesday.
A blizzard warning was issued for LA and Ventura county mountains. Stephanie Olmo reports for the NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Wednesday Feb. 23, 2023.
What's a Blizzard Warning?
A blizzard warning generally indicates winter weather conditions that include snow, blowing snow, reduced visibility, strong sustained winds. It is a more severe weather warning that a winter storm warning.
The following conditions are occurring or expected within the next 12 to 18 hours.
Snow and/or blowing snow reducing visibility to 1/4 mile or less for 3 hours or longer and
Sustained winds of 35 mph or greater or frequent gusts to 35 mph or greater.
Note that there is no temperature requirement that must be met for blizzard conditions.
NBCLA
A view of Lake Arrowhead Thursday March 2, 2023.
NBCLA
The roof of a grocery store collapsed Wednesday under the weight of snow that covered Southern California mountain communities.
A look at the San Gabriel mountains from orange groves in East Highland. Credit: Don Short
Snow on the mountains above Oxnard. Credit: Deidre
The San Gabriel mountains seen from orange groves in East Highland. Credit: Don Short
Dale HArvey
View of Soledad Canyon from a drone at Soledad Canyon TT RV park.
Mark Turner
Palm trees leading to snow capped San Gabriel Mountains.
Norma Quinones
The view from Cable Airport in Upland.
Janet Whaley
A juxtaposition of the iconic SoCal palm trees against the San Gabriel Mountains dusted with snow in February 2023.
Joe Pengelley
Snow in North Fontana.
Jason Rzucidlo
Three snowmen in front of the Super Target store in Hesperia.
Bob Ross
A rare snowman in La Cañada Flintridge.
Caltrans
A view of the 5 Freeway north of Los Angeles after a February 2023 snowstorm.
Jodie Mena
A view of downtown Los Angeles Feb. 26, 2023.
Jodie Mena
A view of the Hollywood sign Feb. 26, 2023 with snowy mountains in the background.
KeyNews
A motorhome falls into the Santa Clara River in Valencia Saturday Feb. 25, 2023.
NBCLA
Cars are stranded in water on the 5 Freeway in Sun Valley Saturday Feb. 25, 2023.
Ice, ice, icicles, baby. This is the scene in Big Bear. Credit: Stacy Horta
Steven Schreck
A downed tree in North Hills.
Gary S
Oak Glen Preserve blanketed in snow.
Sunrise in Anza. Credit: Kimberly Stansell
Snow in the Pine Cove and Idyllwild area. Credit: Roberta Hornsey
Mount Wilson Observatory
A view of snow Friday Feb. 24, 2023 at Mount Wilson Observatory.
A view of snow Friday Feb. 24, 2023 at Mount Wilson Observatory. Credit: Mount Wilson Observatory
Caltrans
A view of the 5 Freeway in northern Los Angeles County Friday Feb. 24, 2023.
A person walks in the rain at Griffith Observatory on February 24, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Getty
An aerial view of a rare snowfall over homes in Yucaipa Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023.
A vehicle drives past a ‘chains required’ sign amid snowfall along a roadway in Los Angeles County, in the San Gabriel Mountains in Angeles National Forest, on February 24, 2023 near La Canada Flintridge, California.(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
A plow clears the road for travel on the Angeles Crest Highway during a blizzard in the San Gabriel Mountains in the Angeles National Forest, California, on February 24, 2023. (Photo by Allison Dinner / AFP) (Photo by ALLISON DINNER/AFP via Getty Images)
The 5 Freeway Grapevine section closed Feb. 24, 2023. Credit: NBCLA
Snowy scenes in Yucaipa. Credit: Nikki Baugh
Friends of Big Bear Valley
A view of the snow-covered Big Bear eagles nest Feb. 23, 2023.
Getty
Youth revel in the rare snowfall in Yucaipa with a view of the San Bernardino County mountains, as the National Weather Service issues its first-ever blizzard warning for the mountains, following a similar warning for LA and Ventura counties. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Lanny B Lewis
Willow the dog enjoys a snow romp in Big Bear. Credit: Lanny B Lewis
A windmill is contrasted with the snow-covered San Bernardino mountains in Yucaipa Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
A jurassic scene unfolds at the Cabazon dinosaurs as snow from the recent cold storm covers the nearby moutains on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
A snowman stands as snow blankets the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County on February 23, 2023 near Claremont, California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Snow falls above a restaurant in the San Gabriel Mountains, in San Bernardino County along the eastern border of Los Angeles County, on February 23, 2023 in Mount Baldy. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Snow flurries fall while tractor trailers and automobiles travel along Interstate 5 at the Tejon Pass along the Grapevine on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 in Tejon Pass. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Getty
People walk as snow blankets the town in the San Gabriel Mountains, in San Bernardino County along the border of Los Angeles County, on February 23, 2023 in Mount Baldy, California. A major storm, carrying a rare blizzard warning for parts of Southern California, is expected to deliver heavy snowfall to the mountains with some snowfall expected to reach lower elevations in L.A. County. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Mammoth Mountain
Snow in Mammoth Mountain
CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 23: A storm front passes while dropping precipitation as snow blankets the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County on February 23, 2023 near Claremont, California. A major storm, carrying a rare blizzard warning for parts of Southern California, is expected to deliver heavy snowfall to the mountains with some snowfall expected to reach lower elevations in L.A. County. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Yucaipa, CA – February 23: A child runs through the falling snow amidst a rare Southern California snow storm while having a snowball fight with her brother at Yucaipa Community Park in Yucaipa Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023. Southern California has only gotten a taste of the powerful winter storm system that forecasters say will bring an extended period of cold temperatures, high winds and snow, prompting the regions first blizzard warning on record. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
CULVER CITY, CA – FEBRUARY 23, 2023 – Pedestrians make their way through an afternoon downpour in Culver City on February 23, 2023. A powerful winter storm system that forecasters say will bring an extended period of cold temperatures, high winds and snow, prompting the regions first blizzard warning on record in Los Angeles. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Eric Leonard / NBC4
Light snow capped the mountains of the Simi Valley.
Getty
Storm clouds drift over the Long Beach International Gateway bridge on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023.
High winds blew sand inland, pelting walkers and skaters along Pier Plaza, in Hermosa Beach, CA, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
A child runs through the blowing sand and strong, gusty cold wind to the waters edge, where there were large waves and strong storm surge in Huntington Beach Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023. Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Riverside CA – February 23: A semi-truck overturned amidst intermittent rain on the 215 Freeway in Riverside Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023.. Southern California has only gotten a taste of the powerful winter storm system that forecasters say will bring an extended period of cold temperatures, high winds and snow, prompting the regions first blizzard warning on record.(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Ha Nguyen, right, and Hang Dinh, visitors from Vietnam, revel in the moment as they arrive at the beach amidst the blowing sand and gusty cold wind, big waves and strong storm surge in Huntington Beach Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA-FEBRUARY 23, 2023: Gus Bolton, 6, left, and his brother Darcy, 4, take in the view from the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon. They are from Manhattan Beach. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
A person takes in the scene of large, crashing waves, storm surge, blowing sand and strong, gusty cold wind at the waters edge under the Huntington Beach pier Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Storm clouds drift over Angels Gate Park in San Pedro on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Karan Randle
Cars crash in slippery conditions on the 10 Freeway Wednesday Feb. 23, 2023 in Yucaipa.
Yucaipa, CA – February 23: Katelynn Chavez, 17, and Pedro Ruiz, 16, take advantage of a rare snow day off school, hug after making a snowman amidst the rare sight of falling snow in Southern California at Yucaipa Community Park in Yucaipa with a view of the San Bernardino Mountains Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023. The National Weather Service issued its first-ever blizzard warning for the San Bernardino County mountains, following a similar warning for Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Southern California has only gotten a taste of the powerful winter storm system that forecasters say will bring an extended period of cold temperatures, high winds and snow, prompting the regions first blizzard warning on record. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
CULVER CITY, CA – FEBRUARY 23, 2023 – Daz Lopez, 40, works out against a backdrop of downtown Los Angeles between storms as seen from the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlooks in Culver City on February 23, 2023. A powerful winter storm system that forecasters say will bring an extended period of cold temperatures, high winds and snow, prompting the regions first blizzard warning on record in Los Angeles. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Ken York
Winter precipitation near the Hollywood sign.
Henry Pardo
Snow in the Banning Pass.
A less severe winter storm warning is issued when a combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent.
Significant and hazardous winter weather is defined by the National Weather Service as a combination of the following.
Five inches or more of snow/sleet within a 12-hour period or 7 inches or more of snow/sleet within a 24-hour period and/or
Enough ice accumulation to cause damage to trees or powerlines and/or
A life threatening or damaging combination of snow and/or ice accumulation with wind.
California Drought Update
The most severe drought conditions that plagued California at the start of the water year in October were wiped out by January's storms, which also were fueled by atmospheric rivers.
In the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report released Thursday, 33 percent of California was in severe drought, the weekly Monitor's third most severe category. At the start of the water year, 94 percent of the state was in severe drought.
Eighty-five percent of the state remains in moderate drought, the report's least severe category. That figure was at 99.76 percent at the start of the water year.
California has spent most of the last 15 years in drought conditions. The current three-year dry spell included one of the driest late winters on record.
The state's normal wet season runs from late fall to the end of winter, but dismal precipitation left about 95 percent of California in severe drought at the start of spring. By September, nearly all of California was in drought.
Much of California’s water comes from melting snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In an ideal scenario, storms blanket the mountains with snow during winter, building up the natural reservoir. That snow then melts in late spring and early summer, replenishing the state's water system. Snowpack was far below normal in Spring 2022, but rebounded during January's storms.
