Historic Weather Sweeps Southern California

Massive low-pressure system brings historic rain and snow to the Southland.

Unusual weather conditions slammed Southern California over the weekend with record amounts of rain, and snow. These dramatic weather conditions are anticipated to continue this week by weather forecasters, causing flooding in low-lying areas.

Historic winter storms hit Southern California this week. Between Friday, February 24 and Saturday, February 25, 2023, a large tree branch fell, crushing the bus stop bench beneath it on Los Feliz Boulevard at Commonwealth Avenue in Los Feliz, Calif. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

Historic winter storms hit Southern California this week. Between Friday, February 24 and Saturday, February 25, 2023, a large tree branch fell, crushing the bus stop bench beneath it on Los Feliz Boulevard at Commonwealth Avenue in Los Feliz, Calif. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

Historic winter storms hit Southern California this week. Between Friday, February 24 and Saturday, February 25, 2023, a large tree branch fell, crushing the bus stop bench beneath it on Los Feliz Boulevard at Commonwealth Avenue in Los Feliz, Calif. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

Historic winter storms hit Southern California this week. Snowfall at low elevations created unusual views on Saturday, February 25, 2023, with snow clearly visible in the foothills as seen from the Sierra Madre Villa Metro Station in Sierra Madre, Calif. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

The Los Angeles River fills with water as heavy winter storms have poured down on the streets of Los Angeles, Calif. Seen from Fletcher Drive on Saturday February 25, 2023, the brown water surges through the concrete banks. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

The Los Angeles River fills with water as heavy winter storms have poured down on the streets of Los Angeles, Calif. Seen from Fletcher Drive on Saturday February 25, 2023, the brown water surges through the concrete banks. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

Water floods the pedestrian pathway that lines the Los Angeles River as heavy winter rains have inundated the storm drains. A lone runner turns back, unwilling to cross the rushing runoff. Seen from the Fletcher Drive underpass in Los Angeles, Calif. on Saturday February 25, 2023. (Akemi Rico | The Corsair)

After heavy rain and thunder a the day before due to the strong weather front affecting the State. People going for strolls to the beach on February Sunday 26 at Marina del Rey, Calif. (Jorge Devotto | The Corsair)

After heavy rain and thunder a the day before due to the strong weather front affecting the State. People going for strolls to the beach on February Sunday 26 at Marina del Rey, Calif. (Jorge Devotto | The Corsair)

“It’s way colder now than I ever thought,” Santa Monica College student Nathan Schneider said. The Los Angeles native reports that while he’s seen and experienced these low temperatures, along with bad weather conditions, in other states, they are completely new to him in his hometown.

The National Weather Service (NWS) sent out emergency flash flood warnings to Los Angeles residents Friday evening, warning them of the potential dangers of going outside and advised residents to avoid traveling. Most parts of L.A. county received between six and seven inches of rain, causing the L.A. River to overflow, along with nearby roads and residential areas.

The storm brought multiple inches of snow that were visible around the Hollywood sign and the surrounding mountains.

National Weather Service in Los Angeles reported that more rain and snow is expected this week. The NWSLA is recommending that residents of the LA area to stay alert for travel impacts and check on updated weather conditions before going out.

A number of downed trees and debris could be spotted on Santa Monica roads over the weekend. The unusual storm that started on Friday afternoon gave way to clear skies for the morning and afternoon on Sunday. While the worst is reported to be over, further caution is still advised until Wednesday.