It's "the closest thing we've had in a long time to a Pineapple Express," a National Weather Service meteorologist said Friday morning.
Significant rains are expected across the Southland during the next six days, and while they may not pack the punch of previous storm systems that earned the nickname, the current series of storms lining up to soak Southern California are expected to bring 1 to 3 inches to coastal and valley areas and 3 to 6 inches to foothill and mountain areas between tonight and Sunday, said Weather Service Meteorologist Rich Thompson.
Light rain began falling in some areas around the Southland Friday morning. Winds are expected to pick up by the afternoon and the rain will likely continue through the middle of next week.
Saturday night through Sunday morning is expected to be the most significant period of heavy rain, with intensities up to a half-inch per hour, according to the Weather Service. Snow levels are expected to remain above 9,000 feet.
Of concern to residents and public safety officials in areas recently burned by wildfires, the first system is expected to soak the denuded slopes Friday through Sunday. A second storm system is expected Tuesday and Wednesday which may bring more intense rainfall, Thompson said.
That has the potential for heavier rainfall which could cause flooding, debris flow and rock slide concerns, according to the Weather Service.
