Another big winter storm rolling in by late Sunday is expected to bring with it heavy rain and snow to Los Angeles and Orange counties. There is a 60 percent chance of rain by Sunday night in Los Angeles County and a 50 percent chance in Orange County, with more rain possible later in the week. (Radar Maps)
A high wind watch was in effect from late Sunday through Monday afternoon, which brings the potential for a hazardous high wind event, according to the National Weather Service. Sustained winds of at least 40 mph, gusting up to 58 mph, may occur. The wind is expected to strengthen Sunday night, with "storm force" winds possible, according to the Weather Service.
Late Sunday night and Monday morning, the gale force winds are predicted to move closer to the coast before weakening on Tuesday. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution on the ocean through Monday.
Heavy snow is likely for areas above 5,000 feet, and the snow level will drop to 4,000 feet by Monday night, impacting traffic on the Golden State (5) Freeway, especially through the Grapevine.
"Given the recent rains and moist soils, a storm system of this magnitude would also bring a risk of flash flooding, even to non-burn areas," according to a Weather Service statement.
Meantime, strong southeast winds with gusts to 35 knots are expected to build over the sea Sunday night in advance of the storm, prompting the Weather Service to issue a gale warning.
Coastal basins may get 1 to 3 inches of rain, mountains 2 to 4 inches and deserts 0.5 inch, according to the NWS.
It's also expected to be cold, with overnight lows in the 40s and afternoon highs in the 50s to low 60s in the Los Angeles basin, while some valley areas could see lows in the 30s.
Friday's cold storm blew quickly through the Los Angeles and Orange County areas, dumping a quarter to half an inch of rain in many areas and up to 6 inches of snow in the mountains, according to the Weather Service.
