Thanksgiving Storm To Bring Rain, Wind To Malibu

MALIBU, 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.

"Residents should be prepared for hazardous driving conditions due to water, mud, rocks and branches in the roadway, possible flooding, mud and debris flows, especially in steep hillside and canyon areas and in the Woolsey Fire burn area, and potential power outages," the City of Malibu said. "Do not attempt to cross flowing streams and flooded roadways."

Free sandbags are available at all Fire Stations in Malibu and at Zuma Beach Lifeguard Headquarters. The City of Malibu website has more information.

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.

Malibu Thanksgiving Week Forecast:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 64. North northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon.

Tonight
Rain, mainly after 4am. Low around 50. West southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Wednesday
Rain before 10am, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 10am. High near 59. West southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Wednesday Night
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 46. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Thanksgiving Day
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 54. West southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Thursday Night
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 43. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Friday
A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.

Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 43.

Saturday
Partly sunny, with a high near 57.

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

Sunday
A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61.

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

City News Service contributed to this post