Spring storm brings rain and snow to southern California

 A late-season storm doused much of the Southland early today and brought strong winds that damaged some commercial buildings in Carson, but while the sun emerged over most of the area by late morning, forecasters said more precipitation is possible into Friday.

By mid-morning Thursday, the majority of the storm system had already passed through the area, but Los Angeles County "continues to experience widespread shower activity."

Much of the rainfall occurred overnight, but scattered showers continued after sunrise and made for a wet morning commute. The NWS even issued a flood advisory overnight that included Los Angeles County, warning of possible small stream and urban flooding.

In Carson, a strong storm cell hit an industrial area along Avalon Boulevard, ripping away parts of the roofs of two buildings and damaging at least one car with flying debris. There were no reports of any injuries.

The chance of showers will linger into Friday for some areas, forecasters said.

A winter weather advisory will be in effect until 5 p.m. Thursday in the eastern San Gabriel Mountains, with anticipated snow accompanied by winds of up to 45 mph.

Some mountain areas could see 4 to 8 inches of snow at elevations above 6,000 feet, and a chance of accumulations exceeding a foot in some isolated spots before the storm dissipates. Lesser amounts of snow are possible down to 4,000 feet. 

There was a 30% chance of an inch or more of snow falling over the Grapevine stretch of Interstate 5 in northern Los Angeles County, so motorists should be on alert for possible closures or police escorts. Travel could be very difficult to impossible on mountain roadways, such as the Angeles Crest Highway. Drivers are advised to travel with caution.