Rainfall is moving into the area Tuesday morning in Riverside County as part of a new wave of storms expected this week, and the National Weather Service predicts heavier rain and strong winds from a stronger Pacific storm system expected to impact the Southland Wednesday through Thursday.
Clouds were thickening Tuesday with partly and mostly cloudy skies expected to blanket the Southland, growing denser as the frontal system over the eastern Pacific approaches the area. In general, most areas will see a half inch to an inch of rain Tuesday, according to the NWS.
Snow is likely for the higher elevations.
SoCal remains on track for a powerful storm system to affect the area starting Wednesday and continuing through Friday, forecasters said. Up to 6 inches of rain are expected in some areas, with snow at higher elevations. The heaviest rainfall is expected to occur late Wednesday through Thursday morning.
Wind advisories and warnings are likely Wednesday into Thursday, according to the NWS.
The NWS issued a flood watch from 2 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday for Southwest Riverside County, the Riverside metropolitan region, and the San Gorgonio Pass Area. While rain is forecast in the Coachella Valley, the area is not under a flood watch.
Health officials are warning people to avoid entering ocean water near discharging storm drains or rivers due to possible bacterial infection. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued an ocean water quality rain advisory that was in effect until 7 a.m. Tuesday.
Health officials noted that stormwater runoff that reaches the ocean can carry bacteria, chemicals, debris trash and other health hazards. People who come in contact with impacted water in the ocean could become ill, health officials said.
Temperatures are expected to be cool throughout the week, with highs in the 50s and 60s in most areas.
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