SoCal Gets Much Needed Rain in First Big Winter Storm

As other regions of the country have faced severe winter weather – a polar vortex and freezing temperatures – southern California has remained largely unaffected. This week brings what is expected to be the first big storm of the region’s winter season and some much needed rain.

The forcast is that the bulk of the storm willl manifest in heavy showers on Tuesday and into Wednesday. High temperatures could “dip into the 60s in coastal and valley areas, mid-50s to low 60s in the mountains, and high 60s to low 70s in the deserts,” reports ABC 10 News.

Rain is forecast at 1-2 inches in some coastal and valley regions and 2-5 inches in foothills and mountains, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Potential heavy rainfall rates “could bring the threat of flash flooding and mud and debris flows to locations in and around recent burn areas.” Higher terrain areas may see wind gusts of 50 mph.

A seasonal drought outlook for southern California predicts: “drought remains but improves” for the region through February, 2015, according to the NWS.

Photo: AP