THE BIG CHILL WINTER FINALLY ARRIVES WITH SNOW, GUSTS.

Byline: Susan Abram Staff Writer

San Fernando Valley area residents could awaken today to a winter wonderland after an arctic storm swept in Friday bringing freezing rain, gusty winds and a dusting of snow to the local foothills and mountains.

While authorities were warning of treacherous roads and snow down to the 1,000-foot level, residents used to balmy weather were looking forward to the chance to experience a real winter - something Southern California hasn't seen since 1989.

``A lot of people have been in to get snow gear,'' said Matt Tews, a salesman at Sport Chalet in Valencia. ``We're sold out of saucers and sleds. A lot of people are buying skis. We even reordered last week, but it's gone. People are renting skis, too.''

The same rush of customers hit Big 5 Sporting Goods, where assistant manager Danny Garcia said they've had a rush since Thursday afternoon.

``We usually carry lots of snow equipment because we're close to the hills,'' he said. ``We're almost out of everything.''

National Weather Service forecasters predicted a 70 percent chance of rain today, with thunderstorms that could bring hail.

``It's definitely the strongest winter storm we've had on the cusp of spring,'' meteorologist Jamie Smith said.

``Here we are in Los Angeles saying 'It's so cold! It's so cold!' but we're definitely not the coldest spot in the nation,'' Smith said. ``It's winter - but winter with a grain of salt.''

Still, foreboding gray clouds hung over much of the San Fernando Valley and beyond.

In the Antelope Valley, light snow fell in the morning but didn't stick. Malibu saw a few flurries later in the day.

School was canceled in Frazier Park, where 2 inches of the white stuff lay on the ground by midmorning with much more to come.

Julie Verdon, manager of the mountain community's Dream Castle Cafe and Bakery, was hustling to make sure coffee pots were filled as customers sought shelter from the weather.

``It's chilly, but not really cold,'' Verdon said. ``When it's 4 feet of snow on the ground, it'll be cold. Right now it's not overwhelming - just really pretty.''

Others looked forward to seeing some powder on the hills.

``We're counting on it snowing,'' said Carol Mercado, recreation supervisor who oversees Burbank's Stough Canyon Nature Center, nestled at 1,500 feet along the Verdugo Mountains. ``We're waiting to go hiking up there. We're all excited.''

Along the coast, surf appeared eerily flatter than usual even as the winds picked up, said Mickey Gallagher, battalion chief for Los Angeles County Fire Department.

``We've had some yucky weather this year, but no winter really,'' he said. ``I think it'll be cold and it'll be rainy (today) but I don't think we'll break any news.''

A severe winter storm hasn't struck Southern California since 1989, when a treacherous blanket of ice and snow crept in on Los Angeles County. Some parts of the San Fernando Valley saw 3 to 8 inches of snow then. Two deaths were blamed on that storm.

Meanwhile, the California Highway Patrol is asking motorists heading up to the hills to take tire chains, along with blankets and extra water.

CHP Officer Vince Ramirez also asked motorists to drive safely, and cautioned that for many Southern California drivers, snow is a novelty.

``A lot of drivers just stop to watch the snow fall,'' Ramirez said. ``They stop right there on the road.''

Staff Writers Patricia Farrell Aidem, Charles F. Bostwick and Carol Rock contributed to this report.

Susan Abram, [phone]

susan.abram(at)dailynews.com

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Photo:

(color) Local snowboarders watch Hunter McNeir, 17, of Frazier Park catch some air at Mt. Pinos recreation area on Friday.

Alex Collins/Special to the Daily News