Storm expected to hit the SCV Wednesday

Weather expert says first rain of the season can mix with oil, dirt on the road, making it slippery

A storm predicted to hit Wednesday is set to bring Los Angeles’ first significant rain since June, according to Carol Smith, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

“For Santa Clarita, and most of L.A., we’re looking at about a third of an inch of rain and scattered thunderstorms, which is much more significant rainfall that we had in June,” Smith said. “This is really a dangerous time for drivers, because the first rains of the season mix with the oil and dirt on the roads and freeways, making it very slippery.”

The storm is predicted to begin late Tuesday night and continue into Wednesday night. Smith also noted that following the storm,

L.A. would experience cloudy weather and a slight cool down in temperatures before a gradual temperature increase into the 80s.

Los Angeles County Health officials warned that Monday’s air quality may not be safe for those with sensitive respiratory systems based on a forecast by the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Individuals who live or work east, west, and south of San Gabriel Valley and Pomona Walnut Valley who suffer from heart disease, asthma or other respiratory diseases were advised to minimize outdoor activities. Children with respiratory issues were also advised not to participate in outdoor physical activity at schools, camps and other recreational programs and to stay indoors as much as possible.

According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s website, the Air Quality Index was projected to reach as high as 134 in areas like Lake Elsinore, mainly due to the presence of ozone in the air. As of 2 p.m. on Monday, the index was measured as good in the areas affected by the warning, between 0-50.

Santa Monica and Redondo Beach, however, were rated as moderate, between 51 to 100, due to fine particulate matter. The rating was caused by PM 2.5, which are water droplets or particles in the air that can reduce visibility or make the air hazy. Shortterm exposure can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. It can also cause coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath, while long-term exposure has been linked to chronic bronchitis and impaired lung function.

Air quality levels are forecasted as moderate for Tuesday for much of the L.A. County and into San Bernardino County.

Current air quality maps and forecast can be found on this website: http:// www.aqmd.gov/home/air-quality.