A satellite image captures the weather pattern over the West Coast on May 2.
(Courtesy NOAA)
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"Travel could be impacted along the Interstate 5 corridor," said meteorologist Todd Hall. "If you're traveling between the L.A. Basin and out towards San Joaquin Valley, you should be preparing for winter weather conditions."
Stay tuned to the latest forecast. The forecast is evolving, and the storm is starting to look more favorable for a bit more rain and snow tonight through Thursday. Here are the latest rain and snowfall amount graphics across the @NWSLosAngeles area. #CAwx#LARainpic.twitter.com/YSXNsowBY6
A similar advisory for the Ventura County Mountains starts at 8 p.m. tonight and continues until 2 p.m. tomorrow.
There's also a chance of thunderstorms for this evening that could bring heavy downpours, small hail for short periods of time or even waterspouts near the coastal areas.
Mountain communities are getting between 4 and 8 inches through tomorrow evening at snow levels above 5,000 feet.
This week's rain is expected to linger, with the National Weather Service forecasting that showers may stay through Saturday morning.
Hall says that in the spring, storms systems are often uncertain. As sunlight hits the globe farther north, the jet stream becomes wilder.
"[Storm systems are] broken off from the jet stream, and so there's a lot more uncertainty as far as the movement and the exact timing," he says.
Hall says for now, the showers will concentrate over local mountains and bring light snow. There is also the potential for gusty winds on the deserts.
This day in history
Love Christmas music? Raise a glass today, because on May 3, 1903, Bing Crosby was born in Tacoma, Washington. Crosby released a deep, crooning version of "White Christmas" in 1945 that's become a staple of the holiday season. The actor, singer and entertainer launched his career with a radio show, then went on to dominate music charts and both the big and small screens. He died in 1977.
Things to do
As a storm heads our way, take cover with these rollicking indoor events:
Lucha VaVOOM: Catch this hugely popular variety show at the Mayan Theater on Thursday or Friday. The two-night event features Mexican masked wrestling — including DMT Azul, Rey Horus, Magno “The Man Mountain” Rudo — burlesque dancers, aerialists and comedians.
Emotionally Unreasonable: Check out this new stand-up/musical comedy solo show at the Yard Theatre in East Hollywood, written by and starring NYC-based comedian and actor Maria DeCotis (developed with Ryan Cunningham). DeCotis shares her experience as a professional wedding officiant who’s conflicted about marriage. She’ll tell tales about life, love and people who shouldn’t get married.
Check out our full list of things to do this week.
What questions do you have about Southern California?
The rules passed by the state Air Resources Board are the first of their kind — anywhere — and will likely have ripple effects, particularly in Southern California communities that have some of the dirtiest air in the nation.
An onslaught of velella velella washed up on shore this weekend on Southern California beaches. The blue jellyfish-like creatures were swept by the winds of California's recent storms.
