Heavy rains, thunderstorms, hail expected to deluge SCV.
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Local residents should be prepared for a series of rain and
snow storms headed towards the Santa Clarita Valley area starting tonight and
continuing into next week.
According to the National Weather Service, scattered showers
are expected to start tonight, accompanied by gusty winds and followed by a 3
to 5 hour burst of moderate to heavy rain associated with a fast-moving cold
front. There is a chance of thunderstorms and the atmosphere will become
increasingly unstable.
Due to the cold air in the upper atmosphere, there is also a
threat of small hail. Rainfall rates are expected to range from one-quarter to
one-third of an inch per hour, but thunderstorms could increase that to a
half-inch per hour, possibly causing roadway flooding.
Snow levels with the first system are expected to range
between 3,500 and 4,000 feet and impact the I-5 corridor near the Grapevine, as
well as Highway 14 through the Soledad
Pass.
A much stronger and wetter storm is forecast Sunday
afternoon, continuing into Tuesday, bringing widespread heavy rains and
mountain shows as well as the possibility of thunderstorms.
Rainfall estimates range from 1 to 3 inches, with 2 to 5
inches in the foothills and mountains. Snow levels will range between 3,000 and
4,000 feet.
Dangerous winter weather conditions are expected in the
higher mountain elevations; given recent rains and saturated soils, there is also
a risk of flash flooding, even in the non-burn areas.