Flooding Possible in San Bernardino, Riverside County Mountains, Deserts

Showers and thunderstorms are possible Monday afternoon for Inland Empire communities, bringing the potential for flash floods and debris flows in mountain areas recently scorched by brush fires.

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The wet weather pattern continues after storms brought rain and flooding to inland areas Sunday. Flooded intersections in the Indio area, about 130 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, caused problems for drivers as the remnants of Tropical Storm Ivo brought rain to the region. 

A flash flood watch -- which officials issue to warn residents of the potential for danger -- was in effect through Monday night for the foothills and valleys of Riverside and San Bernardino counties and the Santa Ana Mountains, the National Weather Service said. The region is seeing an influx of moisture from the remnants of Tropical Depression Ivo.

"Showers and thunderstorms are on the move," said NBC4 forecaster Elita Loresca. "These slow-moving thunderstorms could produce some heavy rains."

Rain was reported early Monday afternoon in the Morongo Valley area. Flooding was reported along Highway 62 and in the Desert Hot Springs area near Indian Road.

Heavy rain on the Falls burn area in Lake Elsinore could result in dangerous flash flooding, weather forecasters said. Officials recommend that residents have a plan to shelter in place or move to higher ground when warnings are issued.

Up to one inch of rain is possible in Inland Empire mountains and deserts.

A flash flood watch is expected to go into effect for Los Angeles County mountain areas at about 1 p.m. Monday. Wet conditions are possible in Acton, Lancaster, Palmdale and other areas.

"The showers are moving from  the southeast into the northwest," said Loresca. "By tomorrow, a lot of this rain will be shifting to the west, into the LA moutains."

In Orange County, flooding is possible in the Santa Ana Mountains and foothills communities.

The storm system is expected to move out of Southern California by Wednesday, but more rain is possible Thursday.

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