Storms headed to Southern California next week likely to pack a bigger punch

The second of two relatively mild storms is moving out of Southern California Friday but a much larger system appears to be building in the Pacific.

The moderate rain totals from this week’s storms have helped the Los Angeles burn zones remain relatively stable, but early indicators have the National Weather Service warning that a “significant storm” could hit around the middle of next week.

“I would anticipate that next week we’re going to be talking about some pretty decent storms moving through, and that of course would pose a major threat to those burn areas,” KTLA meteorologist Henry DiCarlo said. 

At this point, the Weather Service believes the region will see between one and two inches of rain along our coasts and valleys with mountain and foothill areas expected to get from two to four inches.

“I do think the numbers for next week’s storms will be pumped up a little bit. I think they’re a little undervalued. We’re looking at some decent rain,” DiCarlo said.

The most aggressive forecast model right now shows up to three inches of rain hitting the Los Angeles area, the Weather Service stated.

Snow is also likely to fall at lower elevations when the storms begin to arrive on Tuesday or Wednesday.

“The mountain forecast shows colder temperatures. This will be more of a classic, cold winter storm,” Henry said.