The first in a series of storms brought showers to Southern California overnight into Tuesday, with the unsettled weather expected to linger through Friday, according to forecasters.
The scattered showers are likely to continue through most of the day Tuesday, making for a tough commute for motorists.
Snow levels were expected to remain around 7,000 feet for this storm, but a colder system will drop southward on Thursday, possibly bringing snow levels down to 3,000 feet by Christmas morning, the National Weather Service predicted.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on Tuesday issued a cold weather alert, saying wind chill temperatures will be below 32 degrees in the Antelope, San Fernando, San Gabriel and Santa Clarita valleys, as well as in mountain ranges in the county.
Holiday travelers may face icy road conditions in the mountains and through the I-5 Corridor, the weather service stated.
In addition to rain, snow and cold temperatures, the storm systems are likely to bring high surf to the Southern California coast beginning Tuesday.
The elevated surf will be strongest during the morning hours Tuesday through Friday, with tides peaking Thursday, according to the weather service.
Forecasters are calling for King Tides to arrive Wednesday, bringing the possibility of flooding to some coastal areas.
Gusty northwest winds will also affect the area Tuesday into Wednesday, with the strongest gusts in the mountains and through the Antelope Valley, the weather service stated.
Strong winds pummeled big rigs along State Route 14 south of Mojave, where several trucks overturned. High-profile vehicles were barred from West Avenue D all the way to Lone Pine, on Highway 395.
