Temperatures have dipped 10 to 15 degrees below normal this weekend. Widespread sub-freezing readings are expected for interior valleys, mountains and deserts, according to the National Weather Service.
In addition to the bitter cold, many areas in the region will have to deal with frost and gusty Santa Ana winds. Strong gusts could make driving difficult, especially in the mountain areas and for those with high-profile vehicles.
For Ventura County, a freeze warning was issued for the interior valleys from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday and a high wind watch was issued for the coastal valleys from 6 a.m. Monday to 10 a.m. Tuesday.
A wind advisory will take effect at 6 a.m. Monday and end at 3 a.m. Tuesday for the Los Angeles County coast, including downtown Los Angeles, and the Ventura County coast. Some areas will see gusts of up to 60 mph.
On Sunday, as temperatures dropped below freezing in many places overnight, runners and supporters hit the streets of Venice Sunday morning for the Allstate Life Insurance Los Angeles 13.1 Marathon.
The half marathon kicked off at 7 a.m. at the Venice boardwalk and led runners through parts of Venice, Marina del Rey, El Segundo and Playa del Rey.
Runners who took part in the event said they were supporting the cause for several reasons. While some aimed to stay in shape, others were attempting to prepare their bodies for the Los Angeles Marathon scheduled for March or let go of stress.
Runner E.J. Scott ran for a special cause. Scott suffers from a hereditary degenerative eye disease called choroideremia, which is causing him to go blind.
"It runs in my family," Scott said. "I have a brother and two little nephews that also have it. I have a grandfather that was blind. Women are carriers of it, my sister and my mom are carriers."
Scott participated in the 5K race at the Allstate Life Insurance marathon on behalf of the Choroideremia Research Foundation Sunday. What was remarkable about his story was that he ran the race blindfolded.
"I have to run them all blindfolded because the sun is really bad for my eyes," Scott said. He raised about $150,000 for the organization last year.
Every single dollar raised by the marathon is set to be donated to the World Vision relief organization.
For more information visit www.131.marathon.com
