First of back-to-back storms starts in Southern California

The first of the two storms is anticipated to drop about an inch of rain across most of the region through Sunday night, forecasters said.

Rain began falling in parts of Los Angeles and Orange counties Saturday morning, Jan. 14, as the first of two quick-succession storms began bringing more water to Southern California less than a week after an intense storm pounded the region.

The rainfall brings with it a winter weather advisory from noon Saturday until 3 a.m. Tuesday for the Los Angeles County Mountains, significant surf expected along Orange County beaches, and a flood watch in Orange County coastal and inland areas through late Saturday night, forecasters said.

The first storm is anticipated to drop ½ to 1 inch of rain over most metro areas in Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire and about 3 inches in the mountains, weather forecasters said.

It was anticipated to last into Sunday morning, with a quick pause before finishing in the evening, forecasters said. The second storm, which could bring thunderstorms, begins Monday.

Forecasters said as much as 3 inches of snow could fall below 7,000 feet and 5 to 10 inches was possible in higher elevations Saturday night. Snowfall could reach as low as 5,500 feet Sunday through Monday.

Forecasters classified this series of storms as a “typical, garden-variety low-pressure system” as opposed to the previous storm, which led to heavy flooding, downed trees, mudflows and road closures Monday and Tuesday.