Our first major storm of the season has arrived with a potent cold front currently pushing through Southern California. This front is now moving into the San Bernardino Mountains, expect rain and snow to increase through noon and could be heavy at times through this afternoon with isolated embedded thunderstorms. Cold and windy with highs in the 40s, southwest winds gusting to around 40 mph at times. The snow level will hover around 8,000 feet with a rain-snow mix possible throughout the day, changing to snow later this afternoon as colder air arrives behind the front. The snow level could finally drop to around 5,500 feet tonight as showers taper off. Travel safely and carry chains! Rainfall amounts of 1-2 inches are likely in most areas, with locally 3 inches on the lower coastal slopes, where a flash flood watch remains in effect, especially below recently burned areas. A couple inches of snow are also still possible above about 6,000 feet, with higher totals at resort level. As skies clear later tonight, expect a chilly night with lows in the mid to lower 20s, our first hard freeze of the season! High pressure will slowly build back over the region during the second half of the week, bringing a return to more seasonal fall weather by the weekend.