Rain Pelting Most of California

Los Angeles - A fast-moving storm began dousing the Southland today just as the morning commute was getting under way, contributing to an increase in the number of freeway accidents in Los Angeles County, authorities said.

Before it clears out later today, the storm is also expected to produce rough seas, high surf, heavy snow above the 6,000-foot level and fierce winds in mountain areas and the Antelope Valley -- but no rain-triggered landslides in areas previously denuded by wildfire.

Between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., there were 81 accidents reported on freeways in Los Angeles County compared with 47 during two weeks ago, when it did not rain, said California Highway Patrol Officer Jennifer Connelly. Last Monday morning's commute is not statistically comparable because it coincided with the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Between one third and two thirds of an inch of rain is expected in the Greater Los Angeles area, according to the National Weather Service.

NWS meteorologist Rich Thompson said he expected steady rain this morning turning to showers this afternoon, when there also will be a slight chance of a thunderstorm. After that, dry and sharply warmer weather is expected for the rest of the week and beyond.

In the meantime, California Highway Patrol Officer Patrick Kimball expressed the hope commuters would beware of the rainy conditions.

"Slow down and leave more room when it is raining because it will take longer to stop," he said.

The snow level is expected to drop to between 5,000 and 6,000 feet today, "with significant snowfall expected above 6,000 feet," according to an NWS advisory.

The NWS forecast moderate to heavy snowfall from mid-morning through mid-afternoon, producing six to 10 inches of snow above 6,000 feet. Also expected are winds of sustained speeds of between 20 and 30 miles per hour, gusting to 50 mph.

"The combination of snowfall and gusty winds will produce hazardous winter weather conditions across the mountains of Ventura and Los Angeles counties, with reduced visibilities in snow and blowing snow as well as snow-covered roadways," it said.

A winter storm warning denoting an expectation of perilous conditions will be in effect until 8 tonight in the Los Angeles and Ventura county portions of the San Gabriel Mountains.

NWS forecasters said the snow level would remain high enough to leave motorists traveling through The Grapevine largely unaffected. But it will be a different story for drivers using the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway and Pearblossom Highway around the Antelope Valley.

"Areas of blowing dust and sand could cause near-zero visibilities in some locations," an NWS advisory said.

NWS forecasters said they expect winds in the 20-30-mile per hour range in the Antelope Valley, gusting to around 50 mph. Overnight, a 57-mph gust was recorded at Lake Palmdale.

A wind advisory will be in effect in the Antelope Valley until 10 p.m.

Along with wind and rain, the storm is also producing high surf. A high surf advisory, indicating the likelihood of powerful rip currents and some beach erosion, will be in effect until 10 tonight in Los Angeles County and 2 p.m. Tuesday in Orange County.

During the time covered by the advisory, "avoid standing on rocks or jetties near the water's edge and remember to never turn your back on the ocean," it said.

Authorities also warned against recreational sailing.

"I would advise any boater to venture out with caution," said Sgt. John Hollenbeck of the Orange County Sheriff's Department's Harbor Patrol.

"Don't go out if you are not experienced" because an inexperienced boater is more likely to capsize in heavy swells, he said.

The NWS forecast highs today of 42 on Mount Wilson; 53 in Lancaster; 54 in Palmdale; 55 in Pasadena and Woodland Hills; 56 in Burbank, San Gabriel and Saugus; 57 in downtown L.A.; 58 at LAX and Anaheim; 59 in Long Beach; 60 in Avalon and Newport Beach.

A steep warming trend is expected to get under way Tuesday. Downtown L.A., for example, will go from a high of 57 today to 68 Tuesday and 80 Wednesday. A similar pattern is expected in both the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys.