Powerful storm to usher in damaging wind gusts across Southern California
By
Brandon Buckingham, AccuWeather Meteorologist
Published Feb 2, 2020 8:39 AM EST
Visibility was reduced so much in this dust storm that the driver pulled over for 30 minutes and recorded this chaotic scene in Great Falls, Montana, on Feb. 1.
Through the past week, much of Southern California has experienced an offshore breeze, promoting above-average temperatures. Heading into the first full week of February, that will change as this storm system tracks through.
A major storm system that is expected to bring feet of snow to the Intermountain West will usher in potentially damaging wind gusts to Southern California.
Powerful north-to-northwest wind gusts will pick up in earnest late Sunday across Southern California and Nevada, leading to localized power outages and travel issues.
Gusts of 50-70 mph, with isolated reports of 80-90 mph were observed in spots overnight Sunday and early Monday morning as chilly air rushed southward.
This will continue to make travel extremely difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles into Monday. Also, with a north-to-northwest wind, flight delays at Los Angeles International Airport are possible. For those taking off or landing at LAX, a bumpy ride can be expected.
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In addition to the winds, wintry weather is expected for parts of California into Monday.
Snow levels fell rapidly overnight Sunday, dropping to around 2,000 feet. While there isn't an ample amount of moisture available in the area, light accumulations are possible along Interstate 5 near the Grapevine.
Interior valley temperatures could dip low enough for a frost or freeze in some locales once again Monday night. This would include areas north of the Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara County Mountains. This would include the Lancaster and Palmdale areas.
An exceptionally large surf is expected to develop as this storm system swings through as well. Storm, to possibly gale-force winds are possible through Monday, leading to enhanced surf at nearly all area beaches. Boating is not recommended either, as surf inside the Channel Islands could exceed 10 feet in spots.
If traveling to area beaches to check out the surf, extra precautions are recommended. Because of the threat of sneaker waves, it is advised to stay off jetties and to never turn your back on the ocean if you are near the shoreline for the threat of being swept into the surf.
Conditions will begin to improve across the region by Tuesday as an area of high pressure settles in over Southern California. Winds are expected to ease and temperatures will return to more seasonable numbers. Looking ahead to late week, conditions will remain generally dry and settled across the area as high pressure remains in place.
Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.
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News / Severe Weather
Powerful storm to usher in damaging wind gusts across Southern California
By Brandon Buckingham, AccuWeather Meteorologist
Published Feb 2, 2020 8:39 AM EST
Visibility was reduced so much in this dust storm that the driver pulled over for 30 minutes and recorded this chaotic scene in Great Falls, Montana, on Feb. 1.
Through the past week, much of Southern California has experienced an offshore breeze, promoting above-average temperatures. Heading into the first full week of February, that will change as this storm system tracks through.
A major storm system that is expected to bring feet of snow to the Intermountain West will usher in potentially damaging wind gusts to Southern California.
Powerful north-to-northwest wind gusts will pick up in earnest late Sunday across Southern California and Nevada, leading to localized power outages and travel issues.
Gusts of 50-70 mph, with isolated reports of 80-90 mph were observed in spots overnight Sunday and early Monday morning as chilly air rushed southward.
This will continue to make travel extremely difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles into Monday. Also, with a north-to-northwest wind, flight delays at Los Angeles International Airport are possible. For those taking off or landing at LAX, a bumpy ride can be expected.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP
In addition to the winds, wintry weather is expected for parts of California into Monday.
Snow levels fell rapidly overnight Sunday, dropping to around 2,000 feet. While there isn't an ample amount of moisture available in the area, light accumulations are possible along Interstate 5 near the Grapevine.
Interior valley temperatures could dip low enough for a frost or freeze in some locales once again Monday night. This would include areas north of the Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara County Mountains. This would include the Lancaster and Palmdale areas.
Related:
An exceptionally large surf is expected to develop as this storm system swings through as well. Storm, to possibly gale-force winds are possible through Monday, leading to enhanced surf at nearly all area beaches. Boating is not recommended either, as surf inside the Channel Islands could exceed 10 feet in spots.
If traveling to area beaches to check out the surf, extra precautions are recommended. Because of the threat of sneaker waves, it is advised to stay off jetties and to never turn your back on the ocean if you are near the shoreline for the threat of being swept into the surf.
Conditions will begin to improve across the region by Tuesday as an area of high pressure settles in over Southern California. Winds are expected to ease and temperatures will return to more seasonable numbers. Looking ahead to late week, conditions will remain generally dry and settled across the area as high pressure remains in place.
Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.
Report a Typo