Rain, at times heavy, hits parched L.A. area
A late-season storm moved into Southern California on Tuesday night, bringing some intense bursts of rain to some areas.
The storm made the evening commute a challenge to many, with freeways and roads moving more slowly than usual.
The storm moved down from Northern California, which was hit by heavy rain and snow.
Four inches of snow was reported in the Pollock Pines area, and witnesses observed a funnel cloud in Sacramento as well as lightning, according to the National Weather Service. A tornado warning was issued for Glenn County.
In Southern California, the storm could drop a quarter of an inch to half an inch of rain. A few light showers are expected in Orange County.
Highs will be in the 60s through most of the region.
Mountains in Los Angeles and Ventura counties could get a light dusting of snow, with levels possibly dropping to 4,500 feet. Two to 4 inches of snow are expected above 5,500 feet, but some areas could get up to 6 inches.
Along with the rain and snow, forecasters predict strong southwest winds for most of the day. The Antelope Valley and the mountains will receive the strongest winds.
Officials urged drivers to use caution when using the 14 and 138 freeways because of high winds in the Antelope Valley that topped 70 mph
Because the storm will bring the first significant rainfall to Southern California in a while, forecasters are warning that wet, oil-slicked roads could make driving hazardous.
Some parts of the Bay Area saw nearly an inch of rain early Tuesday.
Snow levels in Sacramento and the Central Valley are expected to drop to 3,500 feet. Local mountains could get 7 to 15 inches of snow.
Forecasters say the latest storm will bring much-needed rain to the state but won’t make a dent in the drought.
Last week, Gov. Jerry Brown called for a first-ever mandatory water usage cut of 25% in California after water officials measured the lowest April 1 snowpack recorded in the Sierra Nevada.
For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA
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