L.A. cold snap: Snow, rain, heavy wind expected to hit region

The cold weather is expected to get colder when rain, heavy winds and up to six inches of snow hit Southern California beginning late Friday, forecasters say.

Rain will begin falling in Ventura and Los Angeles counties late Friday and Saturday before tapering off Saturday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

Three to six inches of snow are expected above 4,500 feet, and one to three inches of snow could fall as low as 3,000 feet, the Weather Service said.

Because of the forecast, officials in Los Angeles County said Thursday that some mountain roads would be closed.

The Angeles National Forest Highway between Aliso Canyon Road and Upper Big Tujunga Road will be closed beginning at 1 a.m. Saturday, officials said. Upper Big Tujunga Road between Angeles Crest Highway and Angeles Forest Highway will also be shut down.

Weather Service forecasters said the snow could affect drivers on the 5 Freeway in the Grapevine area. “Be prepared for slow going and possible road closures,” the agency said in a statement.

Drivers in the Grapevine area may also have to contend with wind gusts up to 55 mph, the Weather Service said.

In the Antelope Valley and mountain areas, gusts up to 45 mph are expected.

As of 8 p.m. Thursday, it was 34 degrees in Palmdale, 44 degrees at the Camarillo Airport, 48 degrees in El Monte and 51 degrees in downtown Los Angeles.

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