California braces for ‘life-threatening’ rain storm

California is bracing for “life-threatening” rains and the potential for damaging floods this weekend into early next week.

The National Weather Service (NWS) Los Angeles office predicted heavy to very heavy rains in parts of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, beginning Sunday morning and continuing through Monday evening.

The most damaging part of the storm, which has increased risk for thunderstorms, high intensity rain and flood damage, will occur late Sunday evening into early Monday.

NWS predicted Friday that three to six inches of rain will fall during the storm, and anywhere from six to 12 inches could fall in the mountains and foothills.

High wind warnings and high surf advisories have been issued.

The local weather station posted a reminder online to “Turn Around Don’t Drown,” as the heavy rains will come at a time when many people will commute to work early next week. “Just don’t do it,” NWS Los Angeles said.

The rain comes from an atmospheric river, or a “plume of moisture” that will move over parts of the Pacific Northwest.

The rain will leave urban areas, roads, small streams and burn scars most vulnerable to localized flash flooding, the NWS said. The storm system comes just after southern California experienced a record rainfall. San Diego’s mayor declared a state of emergency after the rain cause destructive flash flooding that swept away vehicles and overwhelmed homes.