LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Yet another powerful storm moved into Southern California today, with rain and mountain snow expected to continue throughout the day and into tomorrow, raising the risk of localized flooding.
The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for most of the Los Angeles area through Wednesday afternoon, while a wind advisory will be in effect for most of the region until 11 p.m. Tuesday; and a more severe high wind warning is in effect for Orange County coastal and inland areas until 10 p.m. Tuesday.
South winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts 45 to 55 mph were expected in the OC, potentially damaging trees and power lines.
A winter storm warning will be in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday in the San Gabriel Mountains and in the 5 and 14 Freeway corridors. Forecasters predicted accumulations of 2 to 5 feet of snow above 6,000 feet, with 10-20 inches possible between 5,000 and 6,000 feet, and 2-10 inches between 3,500 and 5,000 feet -- accompanied by winds gusting to 75 mph. According to the NWS, several inches of snow could fall in the Grapevine section of the Golden State (5) Freeway.
In the L.A. area, "extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible," the weather service said.
Forecasters said the morning burst of rain will likely taper off into the early afternoon, followed by another wave of precipitation later in the day. They noted that the first wave of the storm was actually weaker than anticipated, although some heavier rain was reported along the Los Angeles/Orange County line.
Up to 3 inches of rain could fall in coastal and valley areas by the time the storm subsides Wednesday, with foothill and mountain areas seeing 3-6 inches, according to the NWS.
The Antelope Valley was under a high wind warning, with gusts possible up to 75 mph.
Maximum temperatures will be in the lower 60s Tuesday, falling into the 50s on Wednesday, about 10 to 15 degrees below normal.
The rain is expected to persist in the region through Wednesday, with some showers potentially even lingering into Thursday, but otherwise, the region should be cool and dry through the weekend.
"Tuesday to Tuesday night there is a slight risk (15% to 40% chance) for excessive rainfall and flash flooding along and west of the mountains with a marginal risk (5% to 15% chance) of flash flooding for our deserts," according to the NWS' Los Angeles office.
"Mainly snow is expected at higher mountain elevations."
A flood watch will also be in effect for Orange County coastal and inland areas from early Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening -- with rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations susceptible.
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