Storms Are Coming Again

Two late-season storms were headed for the Southland today and likely to generate rainfall Wednesday and again Friday, along with snow and high winds, forecasters said.

The first of the two Pacific storms was expected to bring rain to the Central Coast by this afternoon and rainfall to parts of the Greater L.A. area after midnight, with scattered showers continuing into Wednesday afternoon, according to National Weather Service forecasters.

The storm is expected to generate between a third of an inch and an inch
of rain in coastal and valley areas and between three-quarters of an inch and
an inch-and-a-half along south- and southwest-facing mountains and foothills,
they said.

The snow level is expected to range between 5,500 and 6,000 feet tonight, then fall to between 4,500 and 5,000 feet Wednesday, according to NWS
forecasters, who said between four and eight inches of snow may accumulate
above 6,000 feet, less at lower elevations.

"This storm will also bring gusty southwest winds to the mountains and deserts," according to an NWS advisory.

A winter weather advisory warning of challenging travel conditions
because of snow and blowing snow will be in effect in local mountain areas from
11 p.m. today until 5 p.m. Wednesday. During that time span, visibility could
fall to zero, according to the NWS.

A second storm is expected this week. Forecasters said they are not yet sure
of its trajectory but it appears it will generate precipitation Thursday
night into Friday, more winds, and snow between 4,000 and 5,000 feet.

"The combination of snow and gusty winds in the local mountains could
bring reduced visibilities due to blowing snow at times this week," according
to an NWS advisory, which urged motorists to monitor conditions before
venturing into local mountains.