LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Strong winds will whip across the Southland today and winter weather conditions will prevail in the San Gabriel Mountains, making travel highly challenging, the National Weather Service said.
A wind advisory that took effect at 10 last night will be in force until noon Wednesday in the San Gabriel Mountains and the Santa Clarita Valley; from 4 this morning until noon Wednesday in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area and the San Fernando Valley; and from 4 this morning until 3 this afternoon in the San Gabriel Valley, the L.A. County coast, beach cities, metropolitan Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills. A high wind warning that went into effect at midnight will expire at noon Wednesday in inland Orange County, and a high wind watch, which denotes an expectation of 58-mph winds or gusts and is more serious than a wind advisory, will be in effect from tonight through Wednesday morning.
Winds of 25-35 miles per hour and 55-mph gusts are expected in the San Gabriel Mountains ... with the strongest focused on the Interstate 5 corridor. Similar conditions are expected in the Santa Monicas and the San Fernando Valley, although with slightly weaker gusts. In the San Gabriel Valley, along the coast and in Los Angeles, winds of 15-25 miles are expected, along with 40 mph gusts. In the Antelope Valley ... where 25-35 mph are in the forecast along with 55-mph gusts, a wind advisory will be in effect until 4 p.m. today.
“Gusty winds will make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles, warned an NWS statement. “In addition, the gusty winds will bring the potential for downed trees and powerlines.”
A cold storm swept swept into the San Gabriel Mountains last night, triggering snow showers as low as 3,500 feet near The Grapevine and the Kern County line at least through this afternoon, along with 55-mph gusts. A winter weather advisory will be in force from 4 a.m. to noon today.
“Plan on slippery road conditions, including during the morning commute on Monday,” warned an NWS statement. “Light snow and ice accumulations are possible over Interstate 5 near the Tejon Pass. Be prepared for reduced visibilities at times along with travel delays and possible road closures.”
Along the L.A County Coast, a beach hazards statement, which is slightly less serious than a high surf advisory, will be in force through Tuesday morning, with surf of 3-6 feet expected to batter the shore.
The NWS forecast sunny skies in L.A. County today and highs of 46 degrees on Mount Wilson; 51 in Palmdale and Lancaster; 56 in Saugus ... 60 in Avalon; 61 in Pasadena; 62 in Burbank ... San Gabriel and Woodland Hills; 63 in Downtown L.A.; and 64 in Long Beach. Sunny skies and mostly temperatures in the 60s are expected in L.A. County through at least Sunday.
Sunny skies were also forecast in Orange County, along with highs of 39 on Santiago Peak; 51 on Ortega Canyon at 2,600 feet; 57 in Fremont Canyon and Trabuco Canyon; 60 in Yorba Linda; 61 in Laguna Beach and San Clemente; 62 in Newport Beach and Fullerton; and 63 in Irvine. Sunny skies are expected in OLrange County through at least Sunday amid temperatures ranging from the mid 60s to mid 70s.
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