Snow to Fall in Altadena?

An unusually cold winter storm front could drop snow as low as 1,000 feet, leaving open the possibility that some of the higher parts of Altadena could see snow fall.

The National Weather Service is predicting rainfall of 1 to 3 inches in foothill areas or snow for higher foothill areas.  Around 5,000 feet there could be snowfall accumulation of one to two feet.

The temperature is predicted to drop into the low 40s overnight tonight, and a low of 42 is predicted for Saturday.  The chances of rain or snow drop to just 30 percent on Saturday night, but the temperature is predicted to drop all the way down to 31 degrees that night.

The weather service is warning motorists to stay away from mountain passes Friday night and Saturday morning and hikers are being urged to take caution in foothill areas on Saturday.

Hikers should also exercise caution throughout the weekend near stream beds as even slightly warmer temperatures could lead to a sudden thaw and high water levels.

For those with animals or tropical plants, local wildlife advocate Lori Paul sends the following tips:

For those who have frost-vulnerable tropical plants and fruit trees, see some tips copied below for protecting those plants around your home. When in doubt, type your plant into Google along with the phrase, "temperature hardiness," and you should be able to determine if it needs special protection. Without special care, some garden plants will freeze and either die back or just die for good.

For those with horses, small livestock and outdoor pets... Plan now to provide them with sufficient shelte and warmth. For small animals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, bring them temporarily inside a warm garage or house and provide them with abundant, clean bedding material.

Chickens can withstand cold temperatures, but require protection from rain, snow and cold wind. They will need extra warm straw, wood shavings or other bedding in their coop. Be sure that their water bowls do not freeze over. Chickens fluff up and huddle together for warmth. If you have just one or two hens, consider bringing the birds inside or provide an old incandescent bulb or heat emitter bulb (available from pet stores) in the coop for added warmth.