Two storm systems expected to hit Southern California this week will bring the most significant amounts of rain to the region this winter, weather forecasters say.
- Updated Article: Storm on Track for Wednesday Evening
The first storm is expected to hit Wednesday afternoon and last through midday Thursday. No significant impacts are expected besides typical slick roadways and minor clogged storm drains, according to the National Weather Service.
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Residents in the Glendora area near the site of the Colby Fire have been advised to prepare for mudslides and possible flooding. Debris should be cleared out of gutters and drains to prevent drainage systems from clogging and flooding, said Stuart Seto of the NWS.
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Winter Storm Watches are set to go into effect Friday morning for the mountains in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, according to NBC4 meteorologist Crystal Egger.
Snow levels will remain above 7,000 feet Thursday night, but will drop to around 6,000 feet for Friday afternoon and evening. California mountains may experience snowfall paired with winds of up to 50 mph, the NWS said. If snow accumulation is above 5,000 feet on Saturday, drivers will be required to have chains on their vehicles.
The expected rainfall amounts from these two storms combined may be larger than amounts recorded since July, the NWS said. While the wet weather is welcomed by California, it will be far from enough rain to quench the state's drought. Five to seven similar storms over the next two months would be needed to return to a typical California rainfall season.
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