Keep Your Umbrella Nearby

The powerful storm that has struck Southern California will bring rain into the area for the next several days according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The storm will generate moderate to heavy rain in the Southland today, likely causing minor mud and debris flows over slopes denuded by wildfires and hazardous winter-weather conditions in the mountains.

A winter storm warning will be in effect until 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Showers are forecast Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, followed by cloudy skies.

The snow level will drop to around 5,500 feet today and down to

between 4,000 and 4,500 feet by Tuesday morning, and “ significant snowfall accumulation is likely in the mountains of Ventura and Los Angeles counties,” according to an NWS statement.

Between 15 and 30 inches of snow is expected above 6,000 feet and between 6 and 12 inches between 4,500 and 6,000 feet, according to the NWS.

Lighter accumulations are expected down to 4,000 feet by late tonight or early Tuesday morning.

The NWS warned that this week’s conditions may result in a wet commute in L.A. and Ventura counties, travel delays, rocks and boulders tumbling onto roadways, minor mud and debris flows in burn areas, and urban roadway flooding.

Accompanying the rain will be south winds gusting to between 45 and 55 miles per hour.

“Heavy snow, gusty winds, low visibilities in blowing snow and icy roads will make for dangerous driving conditions,” warned the NWS statement.

“These conditions could lead to road closures and travel delays.

The NWS urged people who have to drive in the mountains to keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicles.

Thunderstorms are possible across Southern California’s coastal waters because of the “cold, potent storm” said the NWS, adding that the storm system will move slowly southward from northern California through the middle of the week.