LA snow dusts Hollywood sign as winter storm tightens grip

By Max MatzaBBC News, Seattle

Watch: Rare snow carpets swathes of storm-hit California

Snowflakes have been falling in Los Angeles, including around its iconic Hollywood sign, as a winter storm tightens its icy grip on southern California this weekend.

San Francisco broke a 132-year record low temperature, dipping to 39F (4C) on Friday morning. 

Tens of millions of residents in the Golden State are under blizzard, wind and flood warnings.

The storms have blacked out nearly a million properties from coast to coast.

Getty ImagesA child in Yosemite National Park

The West Coast's main motorway, Interstate 5, was partially closed south of the Oregon border. 

Los Angeles - a city famed for its palm trees and sun-kissed boulevards - is under its first blizzard warning in more than three decades.

ReutersA child plays near San Francisco

On Friday people in the city marvelled at the unfamiliar sight of a snow flurry around the Hollywood sign on Mount Lee. 

But elsewhere in Los Angeles, flooding trapped cars in North Hollywood, and officials warned of widespread flooding in neighbourhoods throughout the surrounding county.

Getty ImagesFlooding hit North Hollywood in LA

The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that "significant mountain snows are likely Friday night into early Saturday, with major impacts to travel and infrastructure. 

"Downed trees and power lines are possible. Lower elevations may experience significant snowfall over areas where snow is unusual."

ReutersSnow covered vineyards in northern California

The NWS warned swimmers on the state's world-famous beaches to beware of "strong rip currents and high surf".

Mountain communities can expect snowfall between 2ft and 7ft (60cm and 2.1m). Avalanche warnings have been posted in some areas.

Getty ImagesWomen try to catch snowflakes on their tongues in Berkeley

Some weather forecasters around Los Angeles witnessed thunder snow, reports the LA Times. 

The rare phenomenon - combining lightning and blizzards - sometimes accompanies intense winter storms. 

ReutersSnow fell in the mountains around San Francisco

Other parts of California that will see a rare blanketing of snow include the Mojave Desert, the Santa Clarita Valley and the Inland Empire. 

Earlier in the week, the storm dumped snow farther north along the West Coast, including in the city of Portland, Oregon, which saw one of its snowiest days on record. 

Reuters

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