LA Weather: Strongest storm system of the season expected this week
Weather Forecast for Monday, Feb. 10
The latest forecast for the greater Los Angeles area, including beaches, valleys and desert regions.
LOS ANGELES - One of the strongest storms of the season is on the way, bringing heavy rain and snow to parts of Southern California.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a Pacific storm system will bring widespread rainfall from Tuesday night through Friday.
The heaviest amount of rain is expected to fall Thursday night, with a 5 to 10% chance of thunderstorms into Friday.
Rain totals are estimated to be between 1.5 to 3 inches and 3 to 5 inches in the mountains and foothills.
Snow is also expected at elevations between 5,500 to 7,500 feet. So far, the snow isn't expected to impact travel at the mountain pass levels.
The week in review
Light showers will start Tuesday night in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Morning commuters will wake up to rain in Los Angeles and Ventura counties on Wednesday morning.
A cold front will move in on Thursday, bringing widespread heavy rain that lasts till Friday, which is also Valentine's Day.
Saturday could see light showers in the morning, but the rain is expected to clear out by the weekend.
Flash Flood Watch
With heavy rain comes the concern of mud and debris flow in the burn scar areas.
A Flash Flood Watch will be in effect from Thursday afternoon to late Thursday night, according to NWS. This applies to numerous burn scar areas in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, with the greatest risk near the Eaton, Palisades, Franklin, and Bridge burn areas.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Rain triggers mudslide along PCH in Palisades Fire zone
Mudslide threats remain after LA rains
While the rain in Los Angeles is over for now, there are still concerns over mudslides in the areas of PCH and the Palisades Fire.
Heavy rain in that area could trigger life-threatening and damaging flooding and debris flows.