LOS ANGELES (CNS) - More rain and snow is on the way to Southern California, with scattered showers expected today and again late tomorrow after a brief period of clear weather on Sunday.
A winter storm warning was issued for the Los Angeles County mountains until 10 p.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service. The Santa Monica Mountains were excluded from the warning.
The next system moving into the Southland from the north was described by the NWS as ``cold, showery and blustery.'' On Monday, the greatest rainfall amounts were expected across the central coast and eastern L.A. County. The amount of northwesterly flow will limit rainfall totals across Ventura County and western L.A. County.
In Orange County, widespread showers and thunderstorms were expected Monday as well.
Monday's high temperatures were only expected to reach the 50s in the downtown Los Angeles area, Orange County and the coast, and will remain in the upper 40s in the colder valley areas and the mountains.
Heavy snow and wind were expected, about 4 to 8 inches above 4,500 feet, and 2 to 4 inches between 3,000 and 4,500 feet. Gusts were expected to reach 65 mph, the NWS said. The winds, low visibility and icy roads will make for dangerous driving conditions that could lead to road closures and travel delays, including along Interstate 5 through the Grapevine.
The weather service also warned that extended exposure to cold and wind could be life-threatening. Los Angeles County health officials issued a cold weather alert through Thursday for the mountains and Antelope Valley, and through Tuesday for the Santa Monica Mountains and the Santa Clarita Valley.
Along the coast, health officials issued a beach water use advisory through 7:30 a.m. Wednesday. The county's chief health officer, Dr. Muntu Davis, cautioned residents that bacteria, chemicals, debris, trash, and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas are likely to contaminate ocean waters at and around discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers after the recent rainfall. Individuals who enter the water in these areas could become ill.
Another, wetter storm was expected to reach the area beginning late Tuesday and last until next weekend.
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