LOS ANGELES, CA — The Soutland will get the first serious soaking of the year as a series of storms moves through the region bringing downpours and nearly two feet of snow, according to the National Weather Service.
Showers are expected across the Los Angeles region through Monday, dropping as much as 3 inches of rain between the series of storms. Temperatures will remain cool topping out at 61 in Los Angeles, according to the weather service.
The first storm was expected to move in late Friday with the heaviest rain expected Sunday into Monday. The snow levels will remain high, but local mountains such as Big Bear can expect as much as a foot and a half of snow, according to forecasters
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Forecasters said snowfall totals of up to 16 inches will be likely above 7,500 feet with lesser amounts between 6,500 and 7,500 feet.
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“A moist westerly flow pattern will bring periods of precipitation … with the first round of more significant precipitation around late Saturday and Saturday night,” according to the National Weather Service.
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The rain is expected to reach Los Angeles County in the predawn hours Saturday, with rain chances continuing for all areas through Sunday.
Forecasters said through Sunday evening, most areas will receive between .75 and 1.50 inches of rain, and there is a 50% chance for one inch or more of rainfall for portions of the mountains.
The snow level will mostly be above 7,000 feet, but could fall as low as 6,500 feet for late Saturday night, according to the NWS.
Forecasters said the rain will be off-and-on throughout the weekend.
“There may be a break in the rain between Saturday afternoon and early Sunday, but a moist southwest flow will keep skies generally cloudy and certainly can t rule out drizzle or light showers anywhere during that period,” according to weather agency.
Once the weekend system moves out, a stronger system will push in.
“For the Sunday night through Monday night system, another good rain producer is expected. In this time period, most areas can expect to receive an additional .75 to 1.50 inches of rain,” the NWS announced.
Snow levels will be a little bit higher, ranging between 7,000 and 8,000 feet, with any additional snow accumulations being confined to the higher peaks, forecasters said.
“When all is said and done, rain totals from today through Monday night will be rather impressive,” forecasters said.
Totals between 1 and 2 inches are expected across coastal and valley areas with 2 to 4 inches across most mountain/foothill areas, according to the weather agency.
“This system does not look like it bring too much in the way of winds. Temperatures will remain on the cool side with cloud cover and the rain,” the NWS reported.
High temperatures will be a few degrees either side of 60 in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
Once the storm moves out, dry conditions are expected for Tuesday through Thursday, and a gradual warming trend can be expected, according to the NWS.
City News Service, Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.
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