A winter storm is battering Southern California, bringing heavy rainfall, flash flood warnings and dangerous driving conditions. Mountain areas are receiving potentially record amounts of snow from the storm. Hit refresh for updates.
11:55 p.m. – Thousands without power in Los Angeles
Over 30,000 residents were left without electricity on Friday night due to a severe winter storm pummeling Southern California, said LA City Emergency Management Department. Officials advise affected residents to prepare by keeping flashlights handy and warm clothes nearby. Crews are working to restore power throughout the night.
11:22 p.m. – LAX flights grounded
Departure flights from Los Angeles International Airport have been grounded due to thunderstorms and turbulent winds. Airplanes are not able to take off or land during this time. The order is expected to stay active until at least midnight.
10:50 p.m. – Gusty wind alerts
A special weather statement for strong, gusty winds has been issued for Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Glendale. Winds up to 55 miles per hour are expected. Those in the area should seek shelter. The alert is expected to last until 11:45 p.m.
10 p.m. – Flash flood warnings across L.A. and Ventura counties
Flash flood warnings have been issued for Simi Valley, Moorpark, and Santa Paula until 1 a.m. and for Los Angeles, Glendale, and Santa Clarita until 2 a.m.
9:58 p.m. – Severe thunderstorm warning in Ventura County
A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for Santa Clarita, Thousand Oaks, and Simi Valley until 10:45 p.m. Gusty winds up to 60 miles per hour are expected with possible hail, said NWS.
Officials say a tornado may be possible during this time. Residents are advised to seek shelter.
9:45 p.m. – Power outages across Los Angeles County
Power outages are affecting thousands of residents across Los Angeles County in North Hollywood, Crenshaw, Baldwin Hills, Jefferson Park and more.
Residents without power can “expect crews to respond between 12-24 hours from the time the outages are reported. Restoration may take longer depending on field conditions,” said LADWP.
“Our crews are working as quickly and safely as possible in cold and wet conditions to restore power to affected customers,” officials said.
To see the most up-to-date power alerts or to report an outage, click here.
8:50 p.m. – Gusty winds in Ventura County
A special weather statement for strong, gusty winds has been issued for Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, and Moorpark on Friday night. Winds up to 55 miles per hour are expected. Those in the area should seek shelter. The alert is expected to last until 10 p.m.
8:00 p.m. – Possible landspout threatens Ventura County
A special weather statement for a possible landspout has been issued for Ojai, Mira Monte, Oak View, Oxnard, Buenaventura, and Port Hueneme on Friday night.
In Ojai, Mira Monte, and Oak View, residents are advised to seek shelter in a sturdy structure until 8:15 p.m., said NWS.
In Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, and Camarillo, residents are advised to seek shelter in a sturdy structure until 9:45 p.m.
7:40 p.m. – Road closures in San Bernardino County
“This is the current situation on the 138 near Wrightwood where we have a closure from Berkeley to Hess in both directions. Crews are working hard to get it open as you can see it’s pretty tough out there,” said CHP Inland Communications Center.
“SR-18 will be closed going Upbound at 48th St in San Bernardino due to stuck vehicles. Downbound will remain open for vehicles to get off the mountain,” officials said.
7:20 p.m. – CHP conducting escorts through the Grapevine
“CHP units from the Fort Tejon and Newhall areas are conducting escorts through the Grapevine. Road conditions are still very wet. Do not attempt to pass the CHP officers conducting the escorts. The weather conditions are expected to last through the night so please travel safe.”
6:35 p.m. – Heavy band of rain moving into Ventura County, dangerous mountain conditions persist
A band of heavier rain is expected to move into Ventura County between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Friday night, “capable of producing rainfall rates locally to 1 inch per hour,” said NWS.
Dangerous mountain driving conditions will persist. Drivers are urged to avoid traveling on mountain roads through Saturday.
6:10 p.m. – Evacuation warning issued for Bond Fire burn area
A voluntary evacuation warning has been issued for the Silverado Canyon and Williams Canyon area due to possible debris flows along or near the burn scar. The warning will be in effect from Friday at 5:30 p.m. until Saturday, Feb. 24.
A flood watch has been issued for the burn scar area by the National Weather Service. Areas under evacuation warning can be found online here.
Residents without safe shelter can access a dormitory-style shelter located at the Lake Forest Sports Park.
