Introduction to Late Winter Storms
Two storms are expected to bring rain and significant snowfall this week to Southern California.
Clouds will increase to start the week before the first storm brings light to moderate rain Tuesday. Another cold system will deliver rain and snow Wednesday into Thursday.
Rain and Snow Timeline
Here’s a rain and snow timeline.
Tuesday’s Forecast
Tuesday: The first system brings light to moderate rain with snow levels dropping to 5,000 feet. Some areas might receive about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of rain, possibly more in Orange County and the Inland Empire
Wednesday-Thursday’s Forecast
Wednesday-Thursday: A more powerful storm developing in the Gulf of Alaska is expected to deliver rain and snow.
Rain will be scattered and light for much of Wednesday before heavier rain during the overnight hours into Thursday. Flood watches go into effect Wednesday evening through Thursday.
Storm Impacts
"This is bringing more significant impacts," said NBCLA meteorologist Stephanie Olmo. "Heavy rain, at times, as we move through the overnight hours."
Expect strong winds with rainfall rates possibly exceeding 0.5 inches per hour, raising the risk of local flooding and debris flows in burn areas. Isolated thunderstorms are possible.
Projected rainfall totals include 1 to 2 inches in coastal and valley areas and 2 to 4 inches in the mountains.
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Snow levels will start around 6,000 to 7,000 feet Wednesday, but drop to 3,000 to 3,500 feet by Thursday. Locations such as the Grapevine section of the 5 Freeway north of Los Angeles might see accumulating snow.
Drivers might encounter blowing snow in the mountains. One to 2 feet of snow are in the forecast for higher elevations.
Temperature and Drought Conditions
Temperatures will dip into the 50s and 60s. Overnight lows will generally be in the 40s and lower 50s, but drop into the 30s on Thursday and Friday in the mountains and the Santa Clarita and Antelope Valley.
About 42 percent of California was in moderate drought, according to the latest US Drought Monitor report. Extreme drought, the second-most severe category, covered parts of Southern California with most of the region in moderate to severe drought.
No part of California was in drought at this time last year, according to the weekly Monitor.
Conclusion
Showers will taper off into the weekend, but cool temperatures stick around. The late winter storms are expected to bring significant rain and snow to Southern California, which may help alleviate the drought conditions in the region.
FAQs
Q: What can be expected from the first storm on Tuesday?
A: The first storm is expected to bring light to moderate rain with snow levels dropping to 5,000 feet.
Q: What are the projected rainfall totals for the storms?
A: Projected rainfall totals include 1 to 2 inches in coastal and valley areas and 2 to 4 inches in the mountains.
Q: How will the storms affect the drought conditions in California?
A: The storms may help alleviate the drought conditions in the region, as about 42 percent of California is currently in moderate drought.
Q: What are the temperature expectations during the storms?
A: Temperatures will dip into the 50s and 60s, with overnight lows generally in the 40s and lower 50s, but dropping into the 30s on Thursday and Friday in the mountains and the Santa Clarita and Antelope Valley.
