Rain, mountain snow returns to Southern California: What to expect

Third storm slams Los Angeles area

Another storm system moved into the region Thursday, bringing heavy rain and snow to the mountains.

LOS ANGELES - A third storm system arrived in Southern California Thursday, bringing another round of rain and mountain snow. 

What we know:

The bulk of the rain arrived Thursday afternoon, bringing widespread heavy rain to many parts of LA County. For the mountain communities, high elevations may experience freezing rain and snow. 

Weather Alerts

A Weather Storm Watch is in effect for the Inland Empire mountain communities from 10 a.m. Thursday to 10 a.m. Saturday. National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters anticipate snow at elevations of 6,500 feet and above, adding possible snow accumulation from five to 10 inches. Elevations between 5,000 and 6,000 feet can see one to three inches of snow. 

A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 4 p.m. Friday in the Eastern San Gabriel Mountains and Western San Gabriel Mountains and Highway 14 Corridor. Additional snow is possible Friday night into Saturday, but accumulations are expected to be light at this point. 

A Flood Watch is in effect from 10 p.m. Thursday through Friday morning. The areas under a Flood Watch include Calabasas and Agoura Hills, Eastern San Fernando Valley, Eastern San Gabriel Mountains, Eastern Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, Los Angeles County Beaches, Downtown Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley, Malibu Coast, Palos Verdes Hills, Santa Clarita Valley, Western San Fernando Valley, Western San Gabriel Mountains and Highway 14 Corridor and Western Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area.

Rain returning to Southern California

The third storm system in a week is forecast to bring another round of rain and mountain snow to Southern California.

When is the bulk of the storm expected?

Timeline:

See a timeline of the fast-moving storm below. 

• Thursday Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in the afternoon, with freezing rain and snow at high elevations.
• Friday: Scattered showers continue, with instability persisting.
• Saturday: Lingering moisture in the morning, transitioning to a drying trend by afternoon.

Weather Forecast: Thursday, Nov. 20

The latest forecast and air quality conditions for the greater Los Angeles area, including beaches, valleys and desert regions.

How much rain is expected?

By the numbers:

Rainfall amounts are expected to vary, with Pasadena receiving up to a quarter of an inch by Thursday night.

Meanwhile, some areas like Ontario, may see over an inch of rain. 

FOX 11 Meteorologist Maria Quiban said the season has been wetter than average, with almost five inches of rain since October 1st, significantly surpassing the November average of 0.78 inches.

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Dryer and cooler weather ahead

What's next:

The drying trend will continue into next week, with sunny weather expected for Thanksgiving. Temperatures will remain below average, with highs in the upper sixties in the valleys and Inland Empire, and seventies returning next week.