Wintry Storm Is Expected

Another frigid Alaskan storm is expected to blow into Southern California today, bringing rain and snow that could mess things up for commuters and long-distance travelers.

The storm isn’t very wet, which should mean generally moderate rain in the Los Angeles Basin. But the most intense showers are expected between dawn and 10 a.m. today, which could cause major traffic snarls during the morning commute.

And the storm is quite cold, with snow levels that could dip as low as 2,000 feet. That means motorists could face some serious snow delays on Interstate 5 in the Gorman area and Interstate 15 between San Bernardino and Victorville this morning.

Ellie Budai, a meteorologist with WeatherData Inc., which provides forecasts for The Times, said there is a “good possibility” of flurries in places such as Palmdale and some of the higher foothill residential areas overlooking Los Angeles.

Baseball fans could be in trouble too, although there is some debate on that.

The National Weather Service predicts that the showers will last through tonight, possibly raining out the second game of the season at Dodger Stadium, which is scheduled to start shortly after 7 p.m. Budai expects the showers to taper off this afternoon, with dry but chilly conditions by game time.

Budai said temperatures in the basin will hover in the 50s today, dropping into the 40s tonight, with readings in the 30s in some of the coldest areas. She said gusty breezes should make it feel even colder.

Forecasters said today’s precipitation will be showery, with rain and snowfall totals varying widely.

Most communities in the basin are expected to get between half an inch and an inch and a half of rain. Snow could pile up six inches deep or more at higher elevations in the Tehachapi, San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains.

“Southern California is stuck in a December storm pattern,” Budai said. “Winds circling around a ridge of high pressure off the coast are pulling cold air from Alaska and Canada right down the coast.