Series Of Storms To Keep Southern California Wet

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Subtropical ocean moisture is setting up potential ìfor significant rains across the Southland in the next six days, and it's "the closest thing we've had in a long time to a Pineapple Express," a National Weather Service meteorologist said this morning.

Though they may not pack the punch of previous storm systems that earned the nickname, the current series of storms lining up to soak Southern California are expected to bring 1 to 3 inches to coastal and valley areas and 3 to 6 inches to foothill and mountain areas between tonight and Sunday, said Weather Service Meteorologist Rich Thompson.

Of concern to residents and public safety officials in areas recently burned by wildfires, the first system is expected to soak and saturate slopes tonight through Sunday, and a second storm system expected Tuesday and Wednesday is forecast to bring "more intense" rainfall to the region, Thompson said.

"We should start getting light rain sometime today or tonight in Los Angeles County," Thompson said. "Coming out of the west as usual, but the storm is tapping into a large area of subtropical moisture. The more intense rains will begin later tonight and into tomorrow."

A special weather statement from the NWS described the incoming storms as "strong Pacific storm systems" that will bring winds and locally heavy rains to much of California today through the middle of next week.

KNX 1070's Bob Brill reports state water officials are expecting the storm to boost reservoir levels and ease drought fears.

"Persistent . . . strong southwest winds over the eastern Pacific Ocean will carry an unusually large plume of moisture to the region," the weather statement said.

"With some breaks . . . a series of storms will likely continue through at least the middle of next week. Several periods of significant rainfall accumulation are possible."

Saturday night through Sunday morning is expected to be the most significant period of heavy rain, with intensities up to a half-inch per hour, according to the Weather Service. Snow levels are expected to remain above 9,000 feet.

The stronger storm expected Tuesday and Wednesday has the potential for heavier rainfall intensities "on top of soils that may be approaching saturation," which could cause flooding, debris flow and rock slide concerns, according to the Weather Service.

"There could be some problems for the burn areas next week," Thompson said.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, which monitors debris flow potential in recent fire-ravaged areas, including the 250-square-mile Station Fire burn, had posted no short-term bulletins about the approaching storm events as of this morning.

The department's mudflow forecast and other bulletins can be updated when necessary.

More information is available at the city's water resources website.

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