A record-breaking winter storm is forecast for California by the National Weather Service.

Snowfall has already blanketed East County, making for a winter wonderland. Which is beautiful and also hazardous.

Three to five feet of snow is possible on San Diego's mountain tops starting today and ending Sunday. According to the NWS, there is a big potential to set snowfall records in the mountain areas.

You can view a live camera that shows increasing snow accumulations at Mount Laguna Mountain Lodge. The lodge reported that their location had already seen more than a foot of snow by 9 a.m.

Southern California is experiencing a winter storm that is bringing heavy snow, rain, and gusty winds, causing concern among locals and authorities.

The winter storm is expected to bring a broad swath of moderate to heavy rain and snow to the area, with snow levels fluctuating to about 4,500 feet briefly on Friday afternoon. 

This could create a mixture of rain and snow in the I-5 Grapevine area before precipitation returns to all snow Friday evening.

Southern California hit by record-breaking winter storm

 According to the National Weather Service, this is the coldest storm of the season, with historic snowfall potentially happening in the mountains. The winter storm is expected to bring three to five feet of snow on San Diego's Mountain tops by the time it ends on Sunday. 

The last time the Ventura and Los Angeles County mountains has seen this volume of snow was the 1989 storm.

 The NWS issued a rare blizzard warning that will be in effect for the Los Angeles County mountains from 4 a.m. Friday to 4 p.m. Saturday. Up to five feet of snow could accumulate in the mountains, accompanied by wind gusts topping 55 mph.

Palomar Mountain may see 4 to 5 feet of snow, which could be record-breaking. Mount Laguna could see 3 to 4 feet and Julian may see up to three feet of snow. 

Snow levels will increase from 2,500 to 5,000 feet during the storm, making travel hazardous. A winter storm warning has been issued through 3 p.m. Saturday due to heavy wet snow and gusty winds. Sandbags are available at several Pasadena fire stations, with fire personnel available to assist with loading.

 Coastal and valley areas could get between 2 and 4 inches of rain during the storm. But snow will be the bigger story. Low-elevation snow will be contributing to the most significant amount of 24-48 hour snowfall seen in decades. 

Use Caution and be prepared!

Authorities urge people to stay off the roads unless there is an emergency. 

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. And those who must travel should have a winter survival kit with them. 

If you get stranded, you should stay with your vehicle. 

The storm is expected to pack a punch, and the NWS warns that people must prepare accordingly.