LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Heavy rain is expected to start falling in the Southland late Sunday night or early Monday, prompting a flood watch and evacuation warnings for people living in burn scar areas.
The first in a trio of storms expected to hit the Southland this week will also usher in colder winter temperatures throughout the area and significant snow in the mountains.
The first storm is expected to be the heaviest and produce the greatest overall rainfall totals, with forecasts calling for about 1 to 3 inches in coastal and valley areas and 2 to 5 inches in the mountains by late Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
The city of Los Angeles issued evacuation warnings for people living in burn scar areas, after a flood watch was issued for a wide swath of Los Angeles County from Monday morning through Monday evening. Rock and mud slides are possible near steep terrain, and debris flows are possible on burn scars.
Mayor Karen Bass warned residents in those areas to take precautions and be prepared for potential emergency warnings.
“Ahead of heavy rain forecasted this week, first responders, Public Works crews, and city personnel are taking action to keep Angelenos safe and will be ready to respond to any potential impacts,” Bass said in a statement late Saturday. “This is likely to be another significant rain event. All Angelenos — especially those in burn scar areas — are encouraged to follow official guidance, use caution on the roads, plan ahead, and stay informed.”
Rainfall is expected to decrease in intensity Monday night into Tuesday, though scattered showers could linger as colder air moves into the region, according to meteorologists.
A wind advisory will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday.
Snow levels are forecast to drop from around 6,500 feet early in the storm to near 5,000 feet Tuesday.
A second storm system is expected to arrive Tuesday night into Wednesday, bringing colder temperatures and the potential for additional rain and mountain snow. Forecasters said snow levels could fall as low as 2,500 to 3,000 feet at times, creating possible travel hazards on mountain roads.
An additional 1.5 to 3 inches of rain is likely on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a possibility of 3 to 6 inches of total rain in the mountains, according to the NWS meteorologists.
City News Service contributed to this report.