A warm and dry Saturday is expected to give way to a powerful storm late Sunday, with heavy rain, thunderstorms and dangerous surf forecast to impact Southern California through early next week.
“Sunday will be a transition day as a potent storm system approaches from the northwest,” the National Weather Service said.
The first storm is expected to 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 Monday, forecasters said.
“Monday has the highest chance for debris flows in the burn areas,” according to the weather agency.
Rainfall is expected to decrease in intensity Monday night into Tuesday, though scattered showers could linger as colder air moves into the region, forecasters said.
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.
Rainfall amounts could vary significantly, with some locations receiving around a half-inch while others may see 1 to 3 inches, according to the NWS.
Thunderstorms combined with strong winds and rough seas could create dangerous marine conditions early next week, forecasters said.
Cooler temperatures are forecast for Thursday, though dry weather is expected to return.