Another Winter Storm Brings Chilly Temperatures And More Rain. Snow Is Possible At Lower Elevations

There’s another storm coming our way and it's going to be a cold one.

What to expect

About a quarter inch of rain is expected Sunday through Monday. But the temperatures will be chilly for the region. Expect highs in L.A. and Orange Counties to be in the 50s and lows in the upper 40s. (And, yes, that feels really cold to Southern Californians.)

Lows in the mountain areas could dip all the way down to 21 degrees.

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About that snow level

David Sweet, a National Weather Service meteorologist, says the cold air from this storm will allow the snow level to drop to around 2,500 feet.

"Some areas that don't typically get snow have the threat of getting some snow and ice and slippery roads,” he said.

One area to keep an eye on: Antelope Valley. The NWS cautions "there is some concern about accumulating snow across the Antelope Valley foothills and maybe a dusting on the AV valley floor."

The backstory

This is the latest in a series of storms so far this year that have brought significant rainfall and high winds to the West Coast, causing damage and even deaths. Authorities have also urged people not to go hiking in the mountains in these conditions.

Two people have died on hikes near Mount Baldy in recent weeks and others have had to be rescued, including a 71- year old man hoisted by helicopter on Saturday. Two hikers, one the well-known actor Julian Sands, remain missing in the area.

About those high gas bills

Natural gas bills have been extraordinarily high this month and that's after many households saw sharp increases in December as well. The costs are so much higher that local gas companies have stepped up assistance (SoCal Gas, Long Beach). Colder than usual temperatures have driven some of that cost as people keep their homes warm.

"There’s no easy way to put this: January bills are likely to be shockingly high," SoCal Gas said in a recent news release.

Two simple tips that can save some money:

• Lowering your thermostat by five to eight degrees can save up to 10% on heating costs, according to SoCal Gas. They caution you should only do so if your health permits.
• Lowering the temperature of your water heater (SoCal Gas suggests 120 degrees) can yield as much as 22% in savings on your monthly bill.

SoCal gas offers more ideas on long-term reduction of costs on its website.