Large storm causes flight cancellations, delays at SoCal airports
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Flights were canceled or delayed at airports across the Southland Friday as a massive storm swept through the region, bringing heavy downpours and strong winds.
MORE: Duarte under mandatory evacuations; Camarillo Springs under voluntary evacuations
As of 3:30 p.m., 29 flights leaving Los Angeles International Airport were canceled and 84 were delayed because of the weather conditions. As for arriving flights, 186 were delayed and 34 were canceled, according to LAX officials. In total, 333 flights were impacted out of 1,413 passenger flights scheduled for Friday.
At the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, all arriving and departing Southwest flights were canceled because of the inclement weather.
MORE: Storm-related road closures
In Orange County, more than 100 departures and arrivals in total were canceled at the John Wayne Airport. Passengers have been encouraged to check their flight status before heading out to the airport.
The storm, which is expected to be the strongest to hit the region in at least seven years, will be the heaviest in the mid-afternoon hours. It should bring as much as 5 inches of rain in some areas and up to 10 inches of snow in the mountains.
Weather conditions in Ventura County, heavy rains and 35 mph gusts whipped through the coastal area. Rainfall totals so far have been an inch to 3 inches, but more rain is expected by the late afternoon. A flash flood warning was issued for Ventura County at least until 4 p.m.
Waves may be as high as 20 feet at the height of the storm in the coastal regions. A surf advisor was also issued.
The National Weather Service said the Refugio Pass has been threatened by at least 3 inches of rainfall in Santa Barbara County. Officials may also consider issuing a flash flood warning for the area where the Santa Barbara Zoo and botanic gardens are located.
