Rain, Wind Expected in Area Today

Rain and wind are expected to blow across Southern California today, bringing with them the potential for mudslides and floods in areas burned during recent wildfires.

“Wet and unsettled weather is expected for southwestern California,� said Bill Hoffer, spokesman for the National Weather Service.

“We are keeping our eye on this thing....� Hoffer said. “The ground has been saturated.�

Torrential rains last week triggered flash floods that killed 15 people.

San Bernardino County officials issued warnings earlier this week that mudslides and more floods could occur.

But weather officials said the expected rains are traveling on a Pacific cold front moving southeast from Santa Barbara.

They said the rains are expected to be milder than the storm that pounded the region on Christmas Day.

Rain clouds were expected to hit Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties Thursday night, dropping half an inch to an inch of rain.

By the time the storm reaches Ventura and Los Angeles counties today, it is expected to dump less than half an inch, Hoffer said.

The storm is expected to hit Orange County by nightfall, according to a National Weather Service forecast.

In Santa Ana, there is a 70% chance of rain tonight, with low temperatures reaching 39 degrees, according to the weather service.

The rainstorm was expected to clear by Saturday, when partly cloudy conditions are predicted.

In the mountains, snow levels are expected to drop to as low as 4,000 feet by late today, and mountain peaks above 6,000 feet could receive as much as four inches of snow.

Officials said that the snow, along with poor visibility, would create difficult driving conditions in the mountains, and they urged Southland drivers to prepare for winter weather conditions.

In San Bernardino County, officials released an advisory this week, warning drivers to keep their gas tanks full and their cars stocked with extra blankets, flashlights, first-aid kits and proper footwear.

Motorists with cellphones were advised to keep them charged and carry phone chargers in their cars.