Thanksgiving Storm To Bring Rain, Wind To Monrovia

MONROVIA, CA — A storm will hit the Southland from tomorrow through Friday, and forecasters expect the San Gabriel Mountains to be blanketed in 24 inches of snow, the National Weather Service said Tuesday.

The Los Angeles area is expecting one to two inches of rain, with three inches expected in some of the mountain areas.

In the meantime, strong winds will buffet the region. In force until 3 a.m. was a high wind warning in the San Gabriel Mountains and a less serious wind advisory in the Antelope Valley, the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area and the Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys.

Off the coast, a gale warning was in force until 3 a.m. Tuesday, indicating winds of 34 to 47 knots per hour.

Also in effect was a small craft advisory, meaning that inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.

Along the coast, where a high surf advisory is to be in force until 7 a.m. and a less serious coastal flood advisory until 10 a.m., surf of 4-7 feet pounded the shore Tuesday morning, mainly at west-facing beaches.

"There is an increased risk for ocean drowning," warned the NWS. "Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats near shore."

A winter storm warning will be in force from 4 a.m. Wednesday to 4 a.m. Friday in the San Gabriels, signifying an expectation of highly challenging travel conditions.

Along with the 24 inches of snow accumulation at high elevations, most areas of the San Gabriels should get 6-12 inches while 3-6 inches is expected at the Grapevine, which should make travel on Interstate 5 difficult.

"Travel could be very difficult to impossible," warned The National Weather Service in a statement. "The hazardous conditions could result in temporary road closures. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency."

In the San Gabriels, a high wind warning was in effect until 3 a.m. Tuesday.

In these conditions, "people should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive," urged the NWS.

Monrovia Thanksgiving Week Forecast:

This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 65. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Tonight
Increasing clouds, with a low around 48. Calm wind becoming east southeast around 5 mph in the evening.

Wednesday
Rain. High near 56. East southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west southwest in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Wednesday Night
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 45. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Thanksgiving Day
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 52. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Thursday Night
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 40. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Friday
A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.

Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 41.

Saturday
Partly sunny, with a high near 55.

Saturday Night
A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.

Sunday
A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63.

Sunday Night
A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.

City News Service contributed to this post