2 Storms Taking Aim At Southern California This Weekend

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Two storms are bearing down on Southern California, with rain expected to start falling Saturday night.

Forecasters said some rain is expected in Santa Barbara Friday, but not as far south as Los Angeles. A more, well-defined cold front will bring rain to much of Southern California starting Saturday night into Sunday morning, and even more rain from the same system will fall on the Central Coast, a National Weather Service statement said.

Then, a second wave of steady rain is likely to douse the region Sunday night into Monday, forecasters said. This system will produce greater downpours than the first one, along with a chance of thunderstorms, and could trigger mudflows in burn areas.

Also expected are strong southwest winds Saturday night into Sunday morning, especially in the San Gabriel Mountains and the Antelope Valley, the NWS said. Monday night will see the rise of north winds, which could send trees toppling, it said.

Along the coast, high surf is expected, raising a risk of some coastal flooding Monday, according to the NWS.

Forecasters said a long-period west swell will reach coastal waters Friday, and an even larger swell will show up Tuesday. A high surf advisory will be in effect until 3 p.m. Tuesday.

The Southland coast could experience surf of 6 to 10 feet, with maximum sets of 13 feet, through Sunday night, and bigger surf -- 10-15 feet with 17-foot sets -- from Monday through Tuesday morning, according to the NWS, which said the biggest surf could materialize in Manhattan Beach.

"There is an increased risk for ocean drowning due to the very large surf and strong rip currents," warned an NWS statement, adding that beach erosion may also occur.

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