Southern California Weather: New Year's Storms and Santa Ana Winds

Current Conditions and Santa Ana Winds

• 💨 Santa Ana winds are expected to continue through Tuesday, with gusts between 40-50 mph in some areas.
• ⚠️ Wind advisories have been issued for LA and Ventura County, expiring at 3 PM today, and for the mountains, Inland Empire, and Orange County at 1 PM.
• 💧 Light shower activity is present today, but not expected to be measurable for most.

Storm System Arrival and Intensity

• 🌧️ A significant storm system is moving in from the south, bringing warmer temperatures and substantial moisture.
• ⛈️ Heavier rain is forecast to begin Wednesday afternoon and continue through Wednesday evening, marking the first major storm.
• ⚡ The potential for thunderstorms exists with this first storm system, especially late Wednesday into Thursday morning.

Extended Rainfall Forecast

• 🌊 Significant rainfall is expected from the first storm system, with updated models showing widespread rain.
• 💧 Additional rainfall is anticipated Friday into Saturday, though these totals may not be as high as the initial storm.
• 🌦️ A chance of showers is expected to linger into Sunday and Monday as the system moves out.

Snow Levels and Regional Outlook

• 🏔️ Snow levels will remain high with this system, above 8,000 feet from Wednesday through Friday.
• ❄️ By Sunday, as the system moves out, snow levels are expected to lower to about 6,500 feet.
• 📈 Specific forecasts for areas like the Gabriel Valley, Inland Orange County, and Santa Clarita Valley indicate windy conditions today, with rain starting tomorrow and becoming heavy at times on Thursday.