Rain, Wind to Blow Through La Cañada

A cold, quick-moving storm is expected to bring the Southland showers, high winds, snow at low elevations and a swell that will generate dangerous rip currents along the coast, forecasters said.

Along with showers, there is also a slight chance of thunderstorms today, including some that could produce small hail this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

In the Los Angeles County portion of the San Gabriel mountains, the snow level will drop to the 2,500-foot level by noon, and snow showers are expected from this morning through this evening, according to NWS forecasters.

They said snowfall accumulation of between one and three inches is expected, and up to five inches could develop along southwest and west-facing slopes.

Winds of between 20 and 30 miles per hour will buffet mountain areas through this afternoon, gusting to 45 mph, according to an NWS advisory.

"Snow and strong winds will likely reduce visibilities and possibly make travel treacherous across mountain roadways," according to an NWS advisory, which warned of possibly difficult conditions on highways 2, 14 and Interstate 5.

A winter weather advisory, indicating difficult travel conditions because of snow and blowing snow, will be in effect in mountain areas until  10 p.m.

NWS forecasters also warned of high surf along the coast, including around Santa Catalina Island. They said it would build through this afternoon, the slowly subside Tuesday. In the meantime, surf will average four to six feet through late this afternoon, with occasional sets of seven to eight feet.

"The surf will cause a high risk of rip currents at the beaches, with hazardous conditions for swimmers and surfers," according to an NWS advisory.

Temperature highs are expected to be in the 50s today. They will be only a few degrees higher tomorrow, but dry weather and sunshine are expected.