LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA — A drenching winter storm swept across Southern California with torrential downpours dropping nearly nine inches of rain — nearly a month's worth of rain in three days, according to the National Weather Service rainfall totals.
The top rainfall in Southern California was recorded in San Bernardino County's Lytle Creek area, with 8.68 inches of rain, followed by Lake Cuyamaca with 5.89 inches, and Mount Baldy with 5.31 inches.
Overnight, in Los Angeles and coastal areas, roads flooded as drainage systems became waterlogged, with 2.5 inches of rain hammering some areas. Emergency responders attempted to rescue a drivertrapped on the roof of his truck in an Inland Empire flood. Elsewhere, downed trees and power lines caused problems for residents. In Riverside County, high winds toppled trailers and ripped awnings from structures, according to reports.
Find out what's happening in Los Angelesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
More snow was expected in the area mountains, especially above 5,000 feet. Bear Mountain and Snow Summit have seen up to 36 inches of snow, while Lake Arrowhead has gotten nine inches. Idyllwild has recorded three inches of rain as of 10:30 a.m., Wednesday.
Snow blanketed higher elevations. Between 28 and 38 inches fell at Mountain High between 6,600 and 8000 feet, 18-36 inches fell at Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, and 12 to 24 inches fell at Snow Valley. Big Bear saw 28 inches in the city at 6,800 feet, while Lake Arrowhead received 9 inches of snow, at the 5,400-foot elevation. More now is expected in the mountains.
"Snow levels are likely to reach 4,000 feet Thursday through Friday, with some accumulation, even on the I-5 Grapevine, according to the NWS. Saturday will have the best SoCal weather, with temperatures in the mid-60s, with another, weaker storm system slated to arrive early next week.
Find out what's happening in Los Angelesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
According to the National Weather Service, the official rainfall totals for Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and Riverside Counties were as follows:
