Slopes Burned in Colby Fires Could Produce Debris Flows from Forecasted Thunderstorm

The National Weather Service will keep a close eye on a small winter storm that is making its way towards Los Angeles, and it has the slight possibility to trigger a thunderstorm over recently-burned mountainsides.

But the NWS has not issued any storm warnings or advisories, and said the first real rainstorm of 2014 will likely be a disappointment to drought- starved Southland residents.

Rain was coming down at midmorning over Monterey County, and was expected to move into western Los Angeles County this evening, according to the latest NWS forecast.

"There is a slight chance of a thunderstorm this evening over Ventura and Los Angeles counties, as the lift of the front works with cold upper-level air," the NWS said.

Slopes burned in the recent Colby Fire near Azusa, and last May's Springs Fire west of Malibu, "could produce debris flows if a strong thunderstorm moves over them," the forecast said. But the chances for that was apparently low.

After a damp morning commute Monday, the storm will move out, the NWS said. Total rainfall was predicted to be .10 to .25 in the Los Angeles basin, with three inches of snow possible above the 5,000-foot contour.

Strong and cold northerly winds were expected Monday afternoon and Tuesday.