When was the last time a blizzard hit the Los Angeles area?

The last time a blizzard hit the Los Angeles area was in 1989, on February 4. But now, 34 years later, the LA area is once again bracing itself for a winter storm with a number of communities in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, which lie just north of the city of Los Angeles, under weather warnings.

Back in 1989, schools were shut, and the snow caused chaos on the roads as cars slid on the white stuff leading to major traffic jams.

Sadly 10 fatalities were directly attributed to the 1989 white out, with five weather-related traffic deaths in Los Angeles and Orange counties.

While children enjoyed sledging and snowman building, the storm had major economic impacts, including a $250,000 loss in crops for strawberry famers in LA County.

The 1989 storm was the fifth major snowstorm to hit the Los Angeles area since 1932.

2023 blizzard warning

This year’s weather warning for Los Angeles and Ventura counties predicts the blizzard will arrive early on Friday morning, around 4 a.m. PT. The areas have already had from two to four inches of snow since Wednesday.

Residents in affected areas are being urged not to travel as heavy snowfall is expected, together with strong winds up to 80 mph. The snow could accumulate to up to five feet in higher areas.

If individuals are forced to travel for emergencies they should have a winter survival kit with them. Official advice is for travellers to stay with their vehicle if they do get stranded.