Arriving flights to LAX have been slowed down and during the storm cell two flights (were) diverted to Ontario International Airport. (Representational Image)
A thunderstorm knocked out power across Los Angeles International Airport on Monday, causing flight delays.
LAX spokeswoman Nancy Castles said back-up generators were started as the storm hit shortly after 6:00 am (1400 GMT) and power was restored in all terminals within an hour.
"Arriving flights to LAX have been slowed down and during the storm cell two flights (were) diverted to Ontario International Airport," she said.
"Some departure delays are reported. No cancellations are reported. Normal operations are expected to resume this morning. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines on flight status before coming to the airport."
The storm rumbling across California dumped almost three feet (one meter) of snow in parts of the Sierra Nevada mountain range overnight.
In Los Angeles, bewildered residents took to Twitter to report high winds and pea-sized hailstones, many using the #elnino hashtag to refer to the climate phenomenon that has helped push global temperatures to record levels and caused extreme weather.
"I thought it was an earthquake...Then thunder & lightning & hail happened. I'm so worried for the homeless," said one.
Flash flood watches were in place for foothill neighborhoods in Los Angeles, with the National Weather Service forecasting more heavy rain and lightning after a lull on Monday night.