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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A storm system moving into Southern California next week is expected to bring widespread rain and gusty winds, with the potential for heavier downpours in some areas, forecasters said Friday.
The National Weather Service said there was still variability about the strength of next week's storm.
"Unfortunately, there is still a range of outcomes which means an uncertain forecast. It still looks like a mostly moderate-type rain event with generally minor impacts, but a few projections remain which favor a more significant event," the NWS stated.
Early estimates suggest most areas will see moderate rainfall, with about an inch in coastal and valley regions and two to three inches in foothills and mountains.
"All of the moisture from this system originates from the warmer ocean waters and this will keep the snow levels at or above 8,000 feet," the NWS said.
Temperatures are expected to cool significantly, with highs dropping to the lower to mid-60s on Tuesday and near 60 by Wednesday.
Forecasters said next week's anticipated rainfall poses minimal threat of triggering destructive mudslides or debris flows in Southern California's recent burn areas. However, some risk remains, and the total rainfall amounts could vary widely, according to the NWS.
Los Angeles County experienced its first significant winter storm from Saturday through Monday, bringing widespread rainfall across the region. The L.A. Basin saw accumulations ranging from half an inch to 1.5 inches, while downtown Los Angeles recorded a total of 0.54 inches of rain.
Although the storm spared recent burn areas in Pacific Palisades and Altadena from the heaviest rainfall, it still caused issues. There were reports Monday of minor mud flows brought on by the rain, including a slide that closed Topanga Canyon Boulevard at Pacific Coast Highway. Lingering snowfall also forced a roughly 11-hour closure Monday of the Grapevine stretch of the Golden State (5) Freeway in northern Los Angeles and southern Kern counties.
