Warning Description: Special Weather Statement

Warning Date: 3:37 am PST on February 3, 2010

WarningSum:...Moderate Precipitation Possible Late Friday Night Through 
Saturday...

Warning Message:Model guidance is trending weaker with a trough of low pressure 
expected to move through Southern California Friday night and 
Saturday. This trough of low pressure may bring locally moderate 
precipitation at times during its passage. Lighter precipitation 
may occur in advance of the system for northern areas on Friday. 
Following the frontal passage Saturday...decreasing showers will 
linger into Sunday.  
Rainfall through late Saturday is expected to range from one half to 
three quarters of an inch near the coast to 1.5 to 2 inches on the 
coastal mountain slopes with locally greater amounts possible. 
Desert areas will generally receive one tenth to one quarter inch.
The snow level will lower to 5000 to 5500 feet Saturday and remain 
near that level through Sunday. Snowfall to around one foot is 
possible above 6500 feet.
Soils are less saturated than at the conclusion of the very wet 
period from January 17th through 23rd. The currently expected 
rainfall could result in some local urban or small stream 
flooding...but widespread flooding appears unlikely. As with any 
winter season wet period...mud and debris flows are possible in 
recent burn areas.
Stay tuned to local news media and NOAA Weather Radio for updates.
Martin
223 PM PST Tue Feb 2 2010
...Heavy rain and heavy snow possible this weekend...
A developing Pacific storm is forecast to hit Southern California
this weekend...and produce heavy rain Friday night through
Saturday...with heavy snow in the mountains. Unsettled weather
conditions Saturday night through Monday will produce additional
showers and possible thunderstorms.
Storm total rainfall amounts for Friday through Sunday are
currently forecast to range from over an inch at the coast to
around three inches along the coastal slopes...and between a
quarter to a half inch over the deserts.
The snow level is forecast to lower to around 5000 feet Friday
night. Winter storm watches or warnings may be in effect for most
mountain areas late Friday through the weekend. 
Snowfall may also accumulate on the highways in the mountain
passes and dense fog may also be present. Motorists traveling
through the mountains this weekend should carry snow chains and
allow for travel delays.
Snow fall amounts are currently forecast to be 4 inches at the
5000 foot level...from 6 to 15 inches between 6000 and 8000
feet...and two feet or more above 8000 feet.
The recent heavy rains in January have left most of the subsoils
near saturation.This combined with the rainfall amounts currently 
forecast could result in excessive runoff.
Flooding of streams...low lying areas...and even main stream
rivers is possible this weekend and flood watches and warnings
may be issued later this week. This includes the normally dry
washes in the desert areas.
There is also a threat of mud and debris flows in steep terrain and
recently burned areas with little to no vegetation. 
Stay tuned for later forecasts and warnings. Listen to local news
media and NOAA Weather Radio for updates.