As cleanup continues, more rain might be on the way

It won't be another pineapple express, but another large winter storm could reach Southern California by Christmas evening, according to the National Weather Service.

The approaching storm will be "more of a typical winter system for us, unlike long-duration storms of the past week,'' said Weather Service meteorologist Stuart Seto.

Between a half inch and an inch of rain is predicted for the coast and valleys, and between .75 and 1.5 inches in the mountains.

Up to 2 inches of additional rain could fall in the San Gabriel Mountains, and once again, the south-facing mountain slopes will get the most precipitation because of winds out of the south.

The skies are expected to clear Sunday night.

"This is more of a typical December Christmastime storm,'' Seto said. "It will probably be short-lived and fast-moving.''

"There is a slight chance of thunderstorms right along the storm front,'' Seto said. "Rain could be heavier if any cloudbursts develop.''

This storm will be colder than the last series of rains, and the snow level will drop to about 5,000 feet. Seto said it is also possible for a thunderstorm to create a cold downdraft, that could drop the snow level
dramatically in a small area.

The Southland has already been drenched by heavy rain that has caused mudslides, debris flows and flash flooding.