It snowed in the city of Los Angeles on Thursday, a rare event creating excitement and confusion in the metro area, according to the Los Angeles Times.

"At Noon, scattered rain and snow showers becoming more numerous across #SoCal," tweeted the Los Angeles branch of the National Weather Service. "Isolated thunderstorms are possible along with small hail."

At Noon, scattered rain and snow showers becoming more numerous across #SoCal. Isolated thunderstorms are possible along with small hail. Snow levels could briefly drop to 1000 ft today! #CAwx #LARain #CAstorm pic.twitter.com/WizXn9YLqy — NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) February 21, 2019

ADVERTISEMENT

The NWS also explained the difference between sleet and snow to Californians on Twitter.

"Lots of confusion today. If precip bounces it contains ice - call it sleet or small hail," the agency tweeted. "If precip in flakes it's snow."

Correct, that is snow! Lots of confusion today. If precip bounces it contains ice - call it sleet or small hail. If precip in flakes it's snow, white balls are melted flakes called graupel. #CAwx #LArain #CAstorm https://t.co/Awdddmp7tc — NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) February 21, 2019

A NWS scientist told the L.A. Times that the snow could drop as far down as 1,000 feet above sea level. Forecasters told the paper that local highways could experience significant delays. If the snow fell in downtown L.A. it would be the first time since 1962, the paper found.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff and others also tweeted pictures of the snow.

Good Morning from 1 of our coldest patrol stations! Last night #LASD @PalmdaleSheriff got a little bit of snow. No big deal 30 degrees or 110 degrees, Deputies grab a hoop & patrol. We will be testing for Deputy Sheriff Trainee in #AV411 this weeknd #Palmdale #ThursdayMotivation pic.twitter.com/SRSNPIWJ1E — LA County Sheriff's (@LASDHQ) February 21, 2019