"Thankfully I think this weekend and into early next week we will see a return to the 60s and 70s, where we are used to camping out so it looks like it will be a short-lived event. But for the next couple of days, today, tonight and tomorrow we are talking some chilly numbers and unusually low snow levels," Larrimore said.
A freeze watch is in effect for the LosAngeles and Ventura County valleys.
Temperatures could drop to the upper 20s to low 30s. Larrimore says there could even be an isolated thunderstorm today.
A cold storm system will bring snow showers to Southern California through tonight and brought the snow level down to an unusually low 1,500 feet, National Weather Service forecasters said.
"This storm system will likely bring the lowest snow levels of the season, with snow levels locally falling to 1,500 feet or lower on Thursday," said an NWS statement.
Forecasters also urged motorists to be prepared for reduced visibility on some roadways, including Interstate 5 from The Grapevine to Santa Clarita and Highway 14, the Antelope Valley Freeway, through Soledad Canyon.
Snow fell on portions of the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway around 6 p.m. Wednesday but did not stick, although rain and hail were reported around 5:30 p.m. yesterday, causing some vehicles to slide.
The snow level in the San Gabriels was at between 3,000 and 3,500 feet Wednesday night and expected to fall to 2,000 feet today.
"Plan on slippery road conditions and be prepared for reduced visibility at times," warned the NWS statement. "Portions of highways 14 and 138 (Pearblossom Highway), mainly near the foothill communities could be impacted by light snow and icy roads."
In addition to prompting road closures and flooding, the storm forced a daylong closure of the Knott's Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain theme parks Wednesday. It also delayed play at the Genesis Open golf tournament at Riviera Country Club, and it forced the cancellation of a Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony for rock band Aerosmith.
Off the coast, thunderstorms are expected through tonight as a result of the moist and unstable air mass in the region.
"Any thunderstorm that forms will be capable of producing local gale force winds and rough seas, dangerous lightning, heavy rainfall with reduced visibility, and waterspouts," said an NWS statement.
Also in effect today through Friday morning is a freeze watch. Temperatures are expected to drop to between 29 and 32 degrees Friday morning.
"A hard freeze can kill crops and sensitive vegetation and harm outdoor pets and livestock. Extended exposure to cold can cause hypothermia," noted an NWS statement. "A Freeze Watch means temperatures between 29 and 32 degrees or less will be possible for at least two consecutive hours. Protective measures to save outdoor plants may be needed. Vulnerable animals and pets should be kept indoors in a house or barn."
Forecasters said a cold system will move into the area Friday afternoon, likely dropping the snow level to about 4,000 feet, but with far less likelihood of rain than Wednesday and today.