New Storm Expected to Drench Greater Pasadena Area on Wednesday

PASADENA, CA -- A storm system that could unleash mud and debris flows over slopes denuded by wildfires will hit the Southland today and Thursday, the National Weather Service said.

The rain is likely to reach the Southland around noon and last through 5 p.m., said meteorologist Keily Delerme at the NWS station in Oxnard.

``A Pacific storm system will draw a large amount of moisture across southwestern California on Thursday. This will set the stage for widespread moderate to locally heavy rainfall along and west of the mountains and into the high deserts. Heaviest amounts will be on the coastal mountain slopes with very high snow levels. The warmer conditions at high elevations will also melt much
of the snowpack, adding to runoff and potential flooding problems,'' said a statement issued by the NWS in San Diego.

In the San Gabriel Mountains, a wind advisory will be in effect until 3 p.m. Thursday. NWS forecasters said southeast winds of 20-30 mph would buffet the mountains today, gusting to 45 mph, then increase to 20 to 35 mph with 55 mph gusts from Thursday morning through mid-afternoon.

``Winds this strong may down trees and power lines, causing property damage or power outages. Cross winds can make driving difficult, especially for drivers of high profile vehicles and vehicles towing trailers,'' the NWS warned in a statement. ``When driving, use extra caution. Be prepared for sudden gusty cross winds.''

Delerme said the storm system could produce 1-2 inches of rain along the coast, 2-3 inches along coastal slopes and 3-4 inches in the mountains. She said there's a chance of mud and debris flows if the rain begins coming down at a rate of a quarter-inch per hour with the Woolsey Fire zone in L.A. and Orange County being the most vulnerable.

The system, which originated in the Central Pacific, will combine with a colder system out of the Gulf of Alaska Friday and Saturday, generating heavy rain through Saturday, forecasters said. High surf and heavy winds are also expected.

The NWS forecast rain in L.A. County today and highs of 48 degrees on Mount Wilson; 53 in Lancaster; 54 in Palmdale; 55 in Saugus; 57 in Burbank; 58 in Pasadena and San Gabriel; 59 in Avalon and Woodland Hills; and 61 in Downtown L.A, Long Beach and at LAX.

The NWS forecast rain Thursday in L.A. and Orange Counties, showers on Friday and again on Sunday.

City News Service contributed to this report/Image via Shutterstock