Photos: Storm moving into Southern California: ‘We’re getting the full brunt’

It has the potential to be a snowmaker of epic proportions: A brutal winter storm moving through California is slated to drop rain, sleet and snow from the Oregon border down to the deserts near Mexico.

Forecasters say “all eyes” are on Thursday through Saturday, when even Southern California could see several feet of fresh powder in the mountains around Los Angeles. The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning in the mountains of L.A. and Ventura counties — only the second time such a warning has been issued, following a similar storm in 1989.

“It’s bringing all of that cold air down to Southern California — we’re getting the full brunt,” David Sweet, a meteorologist with the weather service in Oxnard, said of the incoming system.

High winds blow sand inland pelting walkers and forming piles along Pier Plaza in Hermosa Beach on Wednesday.

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Cold, gusty winds blow along the bike path in Huntington Beach on Wednesday.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A visitor to the Redondo Beach Pier watches waves roll ashore Wednesday.

(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

A child bends over to play as a cold wind blows sand in Huntington Beach on Wednesday.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Storm clouds drift over Angels Gate Park in San Pedro on Tuesday. Southern California could see snow in unusual places as a Canadian cold front moves through the region.

(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

People keep warm by a fire in a metal garbage container outside the soup kitchen known as “Hippie Kitchen” in the skid row area of downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday.

(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Hang Dinh, left, and Ha Nguyen, brave the blowing sand and chilly winds in Huntington Beach on Wednesday.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Storm clouds drift over the Long Beach International Gateway bridge on Tuesday.

(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)