Winter storm moves across California, bringing rain, snow, wind Chains required as heavy snowfall reported on Highway 33 near Pine Mountain

Staff and wire reports | Ventura County Star

Show Caption Hide Caption Snow, rain in Southern California for holiday A powerful winter storm brought a deluge of rain and snow to Southern California, triggering tornado warnings and bringing post-Christmas travel to a halt on major routes early Thursday. (Dec. 26)

VENTURA, Calif. – A winter storm arrived late Christmas Day and moved across California with rain, wind and snow.

The worst of the storm was forecast to hit Ventura County on Wednesday afternoon and stay through Thursday, raising alarms about holiday travel as conditions worsen with the precipitation and visibility decreases.

"By tonight, we'll really see more rainfall in the area," said Lisa Phillips, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard, on Wednesday afternoon.

A winter storm warning for Ventura County was in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday, she said.

That means severe winter weather conditions are expected, according to the agency. If a person must travel, the weather service advises keeping an extra flashlight, food and water in the vehicle in case of an emergency.

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With the incoming storm, snow levels in the county were expected to drop to 2,500 feet, Phillips said. At above 5,000 feet, snow accumulation could reach between 1 and 2 feet with the storm and push up local totals to 30 inches.

During the storm, wind will blow in from the east and southeast, reaching between 25 and 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph, Phillips said.

"(We're) primarily concerned about winter hazards because we expect pretty low snow levels," she said.

That means drivers should be cautious of road hazards and be prepared if they're headed to higher elevations.

Shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday, the California Highway Patrol issued a requirement to use chains on Highway 33 near Pine Mountain. The agency said heavy snowfall in the area was creating hazardous conditions.

With significant amounts of rainfall, a chance of flash flooding is possible, Phillips said.

In San Diego, the weather service forecast a cold low pressure system Wednesday that would move inland and bring heavy rain and gusty winds.

Heavy snow was expected to fall in the mountains in San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego counties, with accumulation up to 35 inches above 6,500 feet through Friday morning.

The weather service also expected precipitation to develop along the Central Coast.

Snow is expected in the Antelope Valley in Los Angeles County and the Cuyama Valley in Santa Barbara County, according to the weather service.

In Northern California, the weather service has issued a warning for beaches between Sonoma County through Monterey County. Rip currents and large shore breaks are expected along the coast.

But by Friday, conditions will clear and temperatures will be near normal by the weekend.