A rainstorm is moving through Burbank and the Southland this morning. We’re getting steady rain, strong winds, and cool temperatures. The high today in B-town upper 50s — lows tonight in the 40s. In a weird weather twist, another blast of spring in the forecast for the middle of the week. By Wednesday, the high is expected to reach 80 in the Media City!

Ah, winter is back — wet and cold. The high may reach 60 today.  Raindrops are falling in Burbank this morning. They might taper off this afternoon, but there is still a chance of showers throughout much of the day. So keep the umbrella handy and be careful out there on those rain-slicked streets in the Media City.

I know the calendar says January, but the weather feels very much like springtime in the Southland. And I love it! Temperatures soared into the mid-80s yesterday in B-town and are expected to do the same today.  We could see a slight cooling trend by Friday here in the Media City.

Sigh. Sooner or later winter weather will return  …  until then enjoy this bout of glorious SoCal sunshine and warm temps.

It’s sunny and windy in the Media City today. In fact, there’s a wind advisory for the entire Southland in effect until 2 p.m. tomorrow. That advisory says ” gusty and potentially damaging Santa Ana winds expected today and Friday.” 

Winds of 20-30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are whipping through So Cal this morning. The winds could get even stronger before this weather drama is over.  Oh, you might remember that vicious wind storm about three weeks ago that hammered the city. Keith Sterling, Burbank public information officer, says the cost in clean-up and other services from that storm – an estimated $250,000.

The high today in B-town — only in the 60s. So button up that coat, hold onto your hat, it’s going to be a blustery day.

A sudden thunderstorm rolled into Burbank around  3:30 p.m. this afternoon. Thunder rumbled, lightning flashed, and the rain came down hard. And I though we’d get away without much rain today. Not only will you need that umbrella — some areas might need some of those freebie sandbags from the city of Burbank.  Be careful out there.

It’s a rainy Monday in Burbank and more showers, with the possibility of some hail, in the forecast through the evening and tonight. Also, this is a cold storm with the high in B-town only expected to reach into the 50s. And there’s a chance of another wet system later on in the week.

All this stormy weather prompted Burbank officials to put out an announcement this afternoon about free sandbags for residents and businesses. The sandbags are available empty or filled — 25 per person. Proof of business or residency required.

Sandbags can be picked up at the Public Works Field Service Yard 124 South Lake Street between Olive and Verdugo Avenues. Normal hours are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., but could be extended during emergency situations.  For more information: (818) 238-3800.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Recycle Center 500 South Flower Street Burbank

After heated debate at its meeting Tuesday, December 6, the Burbank City Council voted to assign the operating agreement for the controversial  Burbank Recycle Center to Burrtec Waste Industries. The vote was 4-1 with Councilman, Dr. David Gordon, strongly opposing the arrangement.

The operation of the Burbank Recycle Center has been under scrutiny for some time and most recently when city officials decided to drop private contractor, Burbank  Recycling, Inc (BRI).  BRI is facing allegations from the state for allegedly cashing in out-of-state beverage containers under the California recycling plan. It was BRI that requested Burrtec take over it’s contract with the Burbank Recycle Center – that produced a lot of questions and suspicions among some Burbankers.

The council majority appeared to be swayed by the staff report, which suggested it would be cheaper to hook up with Burrtec rather than to go out for bids. Hopefully, the council’s decision will improve public confidence in the Burbank Recycle Center and not make a bad situation worse.

Anti-Walmart protesters plan new action

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Stop Walmart in Burbank protesters out front of the site of a planned Walmart at 1301 North victory Place in Burbank October 19, 2011

The “Stop Walmart in Burbank” group is gearing up for an appearance at the city council meeting next Tuesday, December 13.  Walmart moving into Burbank is pretty much a done deal. However, this group is still determined to make city officials “… feel the pressure…” from “… their constituents…” who are against the giant retailer opening a store in the Empire Center.

Wind storm clean-up: It’s a wrap

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- A pile of tree limbs on East Providencia Avenue in Burbank December 1, 2011

The clean-up following last week’s powerful wind storm was a huge effort. Cheers for residents, Burbank city crews, and Burbank PD.

Some really strong winds are causing havoc in Burbank and throughout the Southland this evening. The winds are ripping through the trees, tumbling leaves and debris through streets, yards, and parking lots. At the Trader Joe’s market on Alameda Avenue this evening, shoppers could be seen holding tightly to their grocery bags as they hurried home or to their vehicles.

There’s a high wind warning in effect through Friday noon. Also, the winds are kicking up the fire danger — so there’s a red flag alert as well through late Friday.

The forecast is for the winds to increase overnight 25 to 40 mph with some gusts up to 60 mph. There are already reports of power outages in West Los Angeles and Granada Hills — and some traffic lights are out.  So drive with extra care if you have to be out and about tonight.

Fall takes a pause in the Southland. Very warm temperatures are expected today.  The predicted high for the Media City — in the low to mid-80s!  A great way to wrap up the long Thanksgiving weekend.

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Some overcast and threatening skies over Burbank this morning.  Before the day is done, a cold, windy stormy is expected to unload some rain, which might be heavy at times, on the Media City.

Hold on tight to that umbrella, for not only does the weather forecast predict the raindrops will be falling this afternoon , but most likely you will have to deal with winds 15 to 20 mph and gusts up to 25 mph. The high today — somewhere near 60 and lows tonight in the 40s.  Brrrr!  Time to get out the seriously heavy sweaters and coats.