Forecasters this week are predicting Southern California will experience one of the biggest rain storms its seen in quite some time, with the possibility of multiple inches of rain, thunderstorms and hail in Malibu and neighboring areas.
Two storms will hit Los Angeles and Ventura counties this week. The first is forecasted to hit San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties on Wednesday afternoon and last until Thursday afternoon with 0.25 to 0.75 inches of rain. The storm will spread to the Ventura and Los Angeles counties late Wednesday night.
More significantly, the second storm is expected to last Thursday night through Saturday night. Forecasters estimate one to two inches of rainfall.
Two to four inches of rain are possible in the foothills and mountains with chances of even higher amounts along southern facing slopes. Snowfall in the mountains could also occur due to strong south to southwest winds.
The National Weather Service urges citizens near recent burn areas to stay alert for potential mud and debris flow issues.
Wet weather should be welcomed at this point, as California experiences a statewide drought emergency. Since July 1, Los Angeles has received only 1.2 inches of rain. LA averages 10.5 inches of rainfall in the normal year.
“With these few storms, we could see about an inch total in the valley. So this could obviously have some significant impact,” said Jim Bagnall, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.