A wintry storm was bearing down on the Southland Friday, and forecasters warned the rain could cause flash floods in the recent burn areas of Los Angeles County.

"A strong cold front will sweep across Southern California on Saturday, with moderate to heavy rainfall and possible thunderstorms affecting Los Angeles County late Saturday morning through Saturday afternoon," according to a National Weather Service statement.

By Saturday evening, 0.75 to 1.5 inches of rain could fall across coastal and valley areas, with 1.5 to 2.5 inches in the mountains.

There will also be a threat of thunderstorms, with heavier pockets of rain that could cause flash floods in the burn areas. A flash flood watch will be in effect in the burn areas Saturday morning and afternoon, when rainfall rates of a half-inch to an inch of rain per hour are possible. A flash flood watch means conditions may develop that lead to dangerous flash flooding.

In addition, a winter storm warning will be in effect for the mountains of Ventura and Los Angeles counties from 7 a.m. Saturday through 10 p.m. Sunday, when significant snowfall and gusty winds are forecast.

Rain and snow will develop across the mountains late tonight, then become heavy at times on Saturday, along with the possibility of thunderstorms Saturday night.

A second round of steady precipitation is expected to develop Sunday morning and afternoon.

Snow levels will start out above 7,000 feet this evening, and drop to between 5,500 feet and 6,000 feet on Saturday.
Even colder air will move in Saturday night and Sunday, dropping snow levels to 4,000 to 4,500 feet.

Significant snow accumulations can be expected through the weekend.

By Sunday night, elevations above 7,000 feet can expect 8 to 16 inches of new snow, while areas 5,000 feet to 7,000 feet will get 5 to 10 inches. Two to 4 inches could fall between 4,000 and 4,500 feet.

Along with the snow, strong and gusty southerly winds can be expected Saturday, with sustained winds of 25 to 40 mph with gusts to 60 mph.

The Weather Service has issued a wind advisory from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

A wind advisory means that winds of 35 mph or greater are expected that can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

"If you must travel into or through the mountains this weekend, be prepared for early season winter weather," according to the Weather Service.

The low snow levels on Saturday night and Sunday will likely produce hazardous winter conditions near the Grapevine and higher elevations of the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway.