Two storms were forecast Sunday to bring more rain – and the potential for mud and debris flows – to Southern California this week, but they aren't expected to be as strong as the one that drenched the region on Thursday and Friday.
The first of two cold fronts was due to move in from the west on Monday, bringing mostly cloudy skies throughout the day and rain at night, according to the National Weather Service.
Up to 1/4 of an inch of rain per hour was expected in some areas, with the heaviest precipitation forecast to last a few hours before tapering to showers by Tuesday morning.
On Tuesday night, a second, slightly more robust cold front was forecast to arrive, again bringing about 1/4 of an inch of rain per hour.
Flash flood watches weren't anticipated, but the NWS said it was closely monitoring the storms and their potential for causing mud and debris flows in recent burn areas.
Each storm was expected to bring up to 2/3 of an inch of rain, or between 1 1/2 and 2 inches in total.
The storms were good news for mountain resorts as significant snowfall was possible above 5,500 feet Tuesday night into Wednesday, Sirard said.
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Mountain High opened Sunday after getting 8 inches of snow from last week's storm and was looking to add to its base with more natural and blown snow.
Sirard said 2 to 4 inches of snow was possible above 6,000 feet onMonday and up to 8 inches Tuesday night into Wednesday, with potentially higher amounts at higher elevations.
Snow levels were expected to drop to 5,500 feet on Tuesday, to 5,000 feet by Tuesday night and they could be even lower in some areas, according to the NWS.
The NWS advised motorists to expect winter driving conditions at elevations above 5,000 feet and slick roadways with ponding of water on roads and in low-lying areas.
There may be some lingering rain and mountain snow showers Wednesday night, but Thursday and most of Friday were expected to be dry.
A slight chance of rain was in the forecast for Friday night into Saturday with the possible arrival of a weak storm system, he said.
