Expect Rain, Wind in Hollywood Friday

Remember to grab an umbrella and a jacket before you head out the door Friday.

Forecasters predict a cold Pacific storm will start dousing the Southland Friday in time for the morning commute.

In addition, a wind advisory is in effect through 2 a.m. Saturday for Hollywood. The National Weather Service predicts southwest winds will increase to 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 35 mph Friday afternoon and into late Friday night.

Friday's storm — the second this week — was approaching the Central Coast from the ocean Thursday, then will head south, spread into Santa Barbara and Ventura counties Thursday night and then into L.A. County, bringing rain and snow Friday, according to the the National Weather Service.

Because of the forecast, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works will close public access to the following roadways in the Angeles National Forest about 11:30 p.m.:

-- Angeles Forest Highway from Aliso Canyon Road to Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road; and

-- Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road from Angeles Forest Highway to Angeles Crest Highway, also known as SR-2.

Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles only, officials said.

"The early-morning commute on Friday will likely be wet across the entire region," the NWS warned in an advisory. "Commuters should plan extra time to reach their destinations."

There is a slight chance of thunderstorms Friday. Any that develop could unleash downpours packing small hail, NWS forecasters said.

The storm is expected to generate between a half-inch and an inch of rain in coastal and valley areas, and between one and two inches in the foothills and mountains, the NWS reported.

The snow level will be between 4,500 and 5,000 feet tonight, dropping to between 3,500 and 4,500 feet by late Friday, according to an NWS advisory. Between eight and 14 inches of snow is expected, especially above 5,500 feet, it said.

"Some snowfall can also be expected along Interstate 5 over The Grapevine on Friday evening, which could hamper travel," according to the advisory. "The snowfall, along with gusty winds, will cause hazardous wintry driving conditions with poor visibility and snow-covered roads."

A winter storm warning will go into force in the Los Angeles and Ventura county portions of the San Gabriel Mountains at midnight Thursday and remain in effect until 3 a.m. Saturday.

— City News Service

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