Wintry Storm Brings Rain, Hail and Snow in April

Orange County, CA - A low pressure system moving through the area brought rain, hail, high winds and even mountain snow today, giving the region a springtime taste of winter.

Thunderstorms and rain were reported in scattered areas and there were reports of snow and graupel -- water droplets frozen to falling snowflakes -- in the local mountains.

Strong winds took down power lines, felled trees and even snapped the base of a KFC sign in the area of 45th Street and Atlantic Avenue in Long Beach, sending a giant faux bucket of chicken toppling to the ground.

Northwest gusts of up to 60 mph were forecast for the Valleys tonight, where a high wind warning was in effect, according to the National Weather Service.

Drivers of high profile vehicles and those towing trailers were advised to expect hazardous road conditions, including wind-blown dust that could reduce visibility to near zero along with possible downed trees, limbs and power lines.

Temperatures, meanwhile were expected to dip into low to mid-50s overnight. The cold weather is expected to last with most of coastal Orange County remaining in the 60s through the week and in the low 70s inland. Wednesday through Friday bring a chance of showers to Orange County.

City News Service