Storm will bring rain, wind, snow to region starting Wednesday

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

A storm coming from the Gulf of Alaska is on its way to Southern California, and residents should not expect clear skies until early next week, a spokesman for the National Weather Service said.

“Folks should keep umbrellas or raincoats in the car with them through next Tuesday,” said Stuart Seto, a weather specialist.

Rain has a 50% chance of hitting the region as early as Wednesday afternoon, Seto said. By Thursday, forecasters are predicting a 70% chance of showers. Between a quarter and a half-inch of rain could fall on the coast and valleys, while the mountains could get as much as an inch.

Snow levels will also be dropping to between 3,500 and 4,000 feet, Seto said, making areas like the Grapevine more difficult to traverse. A winter weather advisory for the mountains that begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. and ends 24 hours later warns of breezy winds with gusts up to 40 mph.

“It’s going to be a good cold one,” Seto said.

Temperatures in the region will be below normal – in the low to mid-60s though the weekend. Though Seto stressed that forecasters are unsure about the exact timing of other coming storms, he said to expect a 20% chance of rain each afternoon and evening from Thursday to Tuesday.

ALSO:

USC’s $1.2-billion expansion wins City Council approval

Jenni Rivera death: Investigators examine crash debris

‘Ear Gauge Stalker’ sexually assaulted two Sylmar women, police say

--Matt Stevens