Southern California Braces for Storm

- This weather event is comprised of a series of three separate storms expected to move through the region. The first and most potent system is predicted to bring 1 to 3 inches of rain to coastal and valley areas, with 2 to 5 inches anticipated in the mountains by late Monday. - A flood watch has been issued for a large portion of Los Angeles County, effective from Monday morning through Monday evening. Officials warn of potential rock and mudslides near steep terrain and possible debris flows in areas with burn scars. - Following the initial downpour, a second, colder storm is expected to arrive Tuesday night into Wednesday. This system will lower snow levels to as low as 2,500 to 3,000 feet, potentially creating hazardous travel conditions on mountain roads. - The incoming storms mark an abrupt end to a prolonged period of warm and dry weather that has characterized much of the winter in Southern California. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service note that while sharp swings in weather are typical, an entire month without rain is unusual. - This series of storms is arriving after a dry January, which has contributed to the state's snowpack being well below average for this time of year. The expected snowfall from these systems is considered beneficial for the snowpack levels. - Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has issued an evacuation warning for specific neighborhoods within the burn scar of last year's wildfires, including areas in the Palisades, Sunset, and Hurst, due to the heightened risk of landslides. - In preparation, the city has been actively working to clear debris from storm drains, repair potholes, and reinforce hillsides at risk of mudslides from the saturation of previous rainfall. - The National Weather Service also cautions that the combination of strong winds and rough seas could lead to dangerous marine conditions early in the week.