‘Winter storm’ could hit Los Angeles area Monday through Wednesday

A “winter-like” storm will sweep across Southern California Monday night and Wednesday, bringing the possibility of “significant” precipitation, the National Weather Service said Sunday.

Most of the rain is expected to fall Monday night into Tuesday afternoon, potentially creating a headache for commuters.

Rainfall totals during that time could range from three-quarters of an inch to 1½ inches, said Richard Thompson, a weather service meteorologist. Mountain and foothill areas could see up to 3½ inches of rain.

Rainfall rates could reach a half-inch or more per hour, causing weather services to put burned areas under flood watches Monday night through Tuesday afternoon, he said.

There is also a risk of thunderstorms and strong, gusty winds.

Even though it’s early in the season, it’s not uncommon to have a storm or two in October, Thompson said.

“Usually our Octobers are dry,” he said, “but we have storms from time to time.”

Early season storm forecasts coincide with the official return of La Niña, a weather phenomenon typically responsible for drought in Southern California.

The re-emergence of the ocean phenomenon – after last year’s precipitation was below average – could mean another drier-than-average winter, further worsening fire conditions in the region.

Times staff writer Grace Toohey contributed to this report.