First of three storms to hit Southern California this afternoon

The first of three storms expected to drench Southern California in coming days is making its way to L.A. County. The weather front currently is moving over San Luis Obispo and will bring steady rain this afternoon across the Southland, forecasters said.

It's expected to drop an inch of rain along the coast and up to an inch and a half in the foothills and mountains, said Stuart Seto, a weather specialist with the National Weather Service. Temperatures will be in the 50s, with colder conditions at higher elevations. A winter storm warning will be in effect until 4 a.m. Saturday for mountain areas in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

Snow levels were expected to drop to 4,000 feet with heavy showers and thunderstorms, Seto said, adding that the drop in snow levels could affect road conditions on some freeways, such as the Grapevine on Interstate 5. The storm is expected bring at least 8 inches to a foot of new snow to the mountains, Seto said. Although the first storm is expected to drop a considerable amount of rain, the next two are expected to be even heavier because they will be slow-moving, forecasters said.

"The heaviest rain will be Monday through Monday night," Seto said. "The third storm should arrive by Wednesday."

-- Ruben Vives

Photo: Ryan Riffe, left, and  Biff Cooper head into the surf at San Onofre State Beach. In spite of the looming bad weather, the two set off for a surfing lesson and celebration on the eve of Cooper's wedding. Credit: Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times

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Comments

[giley1]

I think it is great to see all that rain come our way. Catching up is only the start for replenishing our reservoirs. Lets keep the rain dance going and think conservation.

[Doug]

I hate water and life so let's call off the rain dance and bring back the sun

[dan]

Man!

[Soosie]

No one mentioned that there was snow in LA City, in the hills above China Town, into Angeleno Heights. I took photos of it. Was I the only one who saw it?