Rain, snow, frost, in store for area today through Friday morning

SOUTHERN CALIF. - A colder, low pressure system from the Northwest is expected to bring light to locally moderate rain amounts to areas along and west of the mountains with snow levels around 4,500 feet today, Dec. 26, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

It is also expected to bring around round of strong, west winds to the mountains and deserts with gusts to around 55 mph.

Winds over coastal waters are expected to be around 25 kt, which might create hazardous conditions for small watercraft.

With a colder atmosphere remaining in place through 'Thursday night. Frost is possible in the valleys and upper deserts for late Wednesday night through early Thursday morning and again late Thursday night through early Friday morning.

"Residents and travelers into higher elevations in the mountains should be prepared for hazardous driving conditions due to slick roads,'' forecasters said. "If possible, carry chains and take extra food and clothing.''

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Rain expected Wed., Dec. 26

The National Weather Service has reported that rain, snow and wind is on the way for Southern California on Wednesday, Dec. 26

A cold front developing over the East Pacific will sweep through Southern Calif. on Wednesday accompanied by light to moderate rain and mountain snow. Gusty south to southwest winds ahead of the front will turn northwesterly in the afternoon and increase over the coastal waters to around 25 knots, and in the mountains and deserts where gusts of 50 mph will be possible through the evening.

Snow will be prevalent above 5,000 feet on Wednesday morning and fall to between 4,000 feet by that night.