Storm Left Region With More Accidents

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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 12 m., there were 280 accidents reported on freeways in Los Angeles County compared with 86 during two weeks ago, when it did not rain, said California Highway Patrol. 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 today, 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.

— City News Service