Light rain will continue across Southern California Thursday morning before a night of snow and gusty winds in the San Gabriel Mountains.
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The storm system entered the region Wednesday night, bringing showers to some areas. Light to moderate showers were reported early Thursday.
"The commute is going to be slow for many of you," said meteorolgist Crystal Egger. "We've accumulated rain on the road and it's going to make for a very slippery drive."
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Authorities responded to several spinouts and crashes Thursday, including fatal collisions in Pasadena and Santa Ana. A big rig crashed through the center divider on the 5 Freeway near the 134 Freeway early Thursday.
Most areas should receive less than a half-inch of rain, but an inch is possible in mountains and foothills.
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"That moisture will push inland," said Egger. "That translate to a lot of mountain snow."
A winter weather advisory -- expect snow and strong winds -- is in effect for parts of the San Gabriel Mountains from 6 p.m. Thursday to noon Saturday. Between four and eight inches of snow are expected, with up to 12 inches likely on higher peaks and the heaviest snowfall expected Thursday evening into Friday morning.
"The combination of gusty winds and snow will result in dangerous driving conditions due to blowing and drifting snow and near-zero visibility at times," according to the National Weather Service advisory. "The higher portions of the Angeles Crest Highway, Highway 2 and surrounding roads will be most vulnerable to these conditions."
The snow level could drop to between 6,000 and 6,500 feet Thursday.
Winds will increase throughout the day with sustained speeds around 30 mph and 55-mph wind gusts over passes and canyons, according to the Weather Service.
In Riverside County, a winter storm warning will go into effect at 4 p.m. for mountain areas above 5,000 feet. The warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring
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