Snow could hit Southern California mountains

Nov. 26, 2009 | KPCC Wire Services

A cold Pacific storm on the heels of a Thanksgiving heat wave could bring a dusting of snow to Southern California mountains Friday night and Saturday.

National Weather Service meteorologists in Oxnard said the storm's track was uncertain. If it stays over the ocean longer instead of moving ashore, it could pick up moisture and bring snow to the mountains.

CA/Local News

Any rain falling in Southern California will be light, according to the NWS, but "if this system does pick up more over-water trajectory, rainfall amounts could be higher, and there could even be slight chance of convective showers."

Temperatures will drop fast after today, with highs about 20 degrees cooler by Saturday.

Precipitation is most likely over the mountains, where snow could fall at elevations above 4,000 feet. The Grapevine section of Interstate 5 north of Los ANgeles may be affected.

Some Southern California ski resorts have opened with a limited coverage of manmade snow, but they could use some natural snowfall.

Following the cold, low-pressure system will be more strong winds out of the north and northeast on Sunday and Monday, raising the possibility of a wildfire.

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