Rain and hail fell on parts of Los Angeles and Orange counties today, beginning several days of winter weather that will also include strong winds, dangerous surf and hazardous driving conditions in the mountains, where a rare blizzard warning will be in effect.

By mid-morning Thursday, hail had been reported in locations including Pasadena and Long Beach, while light rain fell in many other areas, leading to a damp but manageable morning commute. Light snow flurries were also reported in some northern areas, with forecasters warning of unusually low snow levels that could endanger motorists on mountain passes by later in the day.

As of 10 a.m., close to .2 inches of rain had fallen at Long Beach Airport.

“For today (Thursday) and tonight just scattered light showers with rates generally a tenth of an inch per hour or less,” according to the National Weather Service. “More shower activity than yesterday but still mostly on the light side. Main thing today continues to be the low snow levels which will result in some impacts to roads through the mountains, even in areas that don t often get snow, such as Cuesta Pass in (San Luis Obispo), possibly San Marcos Pass above Santa Barbara, and Highway 14 between Santa Clarita and the Antelope Valley.”

Forecasters said the snow level will drop as low as 1,500 feet Thursday, but it will increase to at least 2,000 feet by late Friday morning.

The winter storm is expected to intensify by late Thursday and into Friday. 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. Forecasters said up to 5 feet of snow could accumulate in the mountains, accompanied by wind gusts topping 55 mph. Higher elevations could see as much as 7 feet of snow, with accumulations of 6 to 12 inches possible at elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 feet, “including most major mountain passes.”

“Travel should be restricted to emergencies only,” according to the NWS. “If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.”

According to the NWS Los Angeles office, the blizzard warning is the first issued in the area since 1989, when a warning was also issued for the L.A. County mountains.