Steady, Heavy Rain Prompts Flood Warnings

We're heading into the second storm system of the week and the National Weather Service is alerting Southern California to stay ready as flood watches have been issued across the region.

Average temperatures for coastal areas will stay in low 60s — 61 degrees in Malibu and 64 in Long Beach. Inland coastal valleys will see highs in the upper 60s. Downtown Los Angeles will see a high of 67 degrees, 68 degrees in Fountain Valley.

The San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys will see similar average temperatures — highs up to 65 degrees. Whereas in Santa Clarita and Antelope, expect an average of 60 degrees.

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Toward the Inland Empire, temperatures will be similar to the valleys — 65 degrees in Ontario, 63 degrees in Redlands.

About the storm

A strong Pacific storm will cover the Southland this afternoon through Friday will bring heavy and steady rain, gusty winds, and a chance of thunderstorms.

We're expecting between 2 to 4 inches of rain on the coast and valley areas, between 4 to 8 inches of rain across the foothills and mountains.

Drivers should be wary of small stream flooding and pooling of water on roadways. A flood watch has been issued for most of Southern California, from Ventura and L.A. counties to Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside counties and Coachella Valley. That flood watch is in effect Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon.

The National Weather Service warns residents near burn scars to be on alert as there's a chance of mud and debris flow —especially in Ventura County where the most recent burn scar is the South Fire.

A winter storm watch has been issued for San Bernardino County mountains — that means heavy, wet snow is possible. Elevations of 7,500 ft to 8,500 ft will get 3 to 6 inches of snow, and 6 to 12 inches of snow above 8,500 feet.

Expect gusty winds between 30 to 50 mph in the mountains.

Looking ahead to Friday and Saturday, there'll be gusty northwest winds followed by a generally quiet Christmas and first half of the holiday week.

This day in history

Talk about history repeating itself. On this day in 2010 a strong storm system came over the southland bringing an atmospheric river and historic flooding to the region.

Things to do

We are T-minus 5 days from Christmas! If you haven't finished your shopping yet, check out our holiday gift guide. And today is the beginning of the Winter Solstice — here's how to celebrate.

• Winter Solstice Family Night:Winter holidays in the Northern Hemisphere including St. Lucia’s Day, St. Nicolas Day, Hanukkah and Christmas, are celebrated with light, decorations, music and treats. At this family-friendly event, learn about the winter solstice, while making decorations, sipping on hot chocolate and sampling international holiday treats. The event is included in admission.

Check out our full list of things to do this week.