A cold, winter-like storm system out of British Columbia bore down on Southern California today, bringing a threat of showers from this afternoon through Friday evening, along with a slight chance of thunderstorms.
If thunderstorms materialize, they’ll be capable of producing heavy downpours and small hail, according to a National Weather Service statement, which said thunderstorms could affect rush-hour commutes starting this evening.
Conditions will also favor isolated waterspouts in coastal waters, the statement said.
Also expected are gusty southwesterly winds in the Antelope Valley this afternoon and evening, with gusts of around 45 mph expected. A wind advisory will be in effect in the Antelope Valley until 9 p.m.
Rainfall amounts will vary considerably given the showery nature of this system, and some areas may experience no precipitation whatsoever, the statement said, adding that in general, rainfall amounts will be less than a quarter-inch. However, if thunderstorms develop, a half-inch of rain may result in certain areas, and minor mud and debris flows could occur in burn areas, it said.
In the San Gabriel Mountains, the snow level is expected to fall to 6,000 feet by late this afternoon, later dropping even further, down to 4,500 feet.