This story is no longer being updated, but we're still very much covering the rain and snow. Read LAist's latest storm coverage:
We have now technically entered the spring season — yes, March 20 is the official start — but it's not going to feel like it this week. Southern Californians are bracing for yet another cold storm system, one the National Weather Service is describing as "potentially high impact."
While forecasts now anticipate a break in the weather on Monday, heavy rains are expected to peak Tuesday and extend into Wednesday.
"The big storm looks to be coming in on Tuesday. And, we do have a high wind watch in effect for all of L.A. County. So high gusts to 60 mph or more," said Joe Sirard, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
One area of concern will be the mountains, where another round of heavy snowfall is expected and forecasters are warning of "dangerous to impossible driving conditions."
"There's actually a moderate threat, up to 3 inches along the Grapevine, we could see like a little bit of accumulation Tuesday morning, but really all the snow is gonna fall about Tuesday night into Wednesday," said Kristen Lund with the National Weather Service's Oxnard office.
Up to 6 inches of snow is possible around the elevation of 4,000 feet, with as much as another 2 feet of snow possible at higher elevations. Mountain and desert gusts are expected to reach between 60-70 mph.
Coastal winds will also be intense, reaching speeds of 50-60 mph and that means high surf and hazardous seas are also expected Tuesday to Wednesday. Breaking waves may even impact some harbor entrances.
There's a 20% chance of thunderstorms over on the mountains and coastal areas Tuesday evening. The National Weather Service reminds residents to seek shelter indoors if you hear thunder.
With the rain peaking on Tuesday, drivers should be careful during the morning commute on Wednesday and watch out for flooded roadways. (Keep reading for some driving tips.)
Over in Ventura, the weather service is monitoring the Ventura River around Foster Park for a 10% chance of reaching its flood stage. The major concern is increasing river flow for Tuesday.
Moderate to heavy rain with isolated thunderstorms will develop Tuesday in advance of an unseasonably strong storm system. Urban & small stream flooding, heavy mountain snow and damaging wind expected. Isolated thunderstorms are possible as well, especially late Tue & Tue night. pic.twitter.com/QJ7iW5fKKw
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) March 21, 2023
Good afternoon, #SoCal! Here are the updated graphics for the upcoming storm.
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) March 20, 2023
Rain and snow amounts have increased since yesterday, most notably across the mtns and coastal slopes.
We're expecting the heaviest and most widespread precip Tue morning through evening. #cawx pic.twitter.com/FT0rOfpEyM
Come Thursday, the storm is expected to clear out.
Roadway safety experts advised motorists to:
State law requires residential units to have heating systems that can keep indoor temperatures at a minimum of 70 degrees. That means every dwelling unit and guest room offered for rent or lease should offer heating equipment, usually central air conditioning (A/C) or a wall heater. — Caitlin Hernández
Use heat smartly to save money: Cranking things like the A/C and wall heaters can be expensive. If money is tight, be judicious about how and when you use your utilities. For example, only use heaters at night or only set the thermostat to around 70 degrees.
Open and close those vents: If you have central A/C, look at where the vents are around your home. Are any open in places where you don’t stay long? Practice opening and closing those so warm air only goes where you need it (most vents should have a small toggle lever). Humidifiers can also help you warm things up — and it’s useful to add moisture into our dry air.
Adjust your wall heaters: If you have a wall heater, you can change the output by adjusting the knob (usually at the bottom). Since wall heaters can only warm the areas where they’re placed, it’s essential to close doors to rooms you won’t be in so hot air doesn’t get wasted.
Turn on your ceiling fan (really): If you have a ceiling fan, try turning it on. This sounds counterintuitive, but there’s science behind it. The direction a fan turns can push air in different directions, and since hot air floats up, you’ll want to move that around. Your fan should spin clockwise to create an updraft to circulate. Not all fans will have this option, though.
Here's what you need to know when storms hit Southern California:
