[NWS] – Heavy rain is expected across much of southwest California Friday through early Saturday.

A strong storm system tapping into deep subtropical moisture will generate periods of moderate to heavy rain late this week into the weekend. The first wave of rain will begin along the Central Coast Thursday, then move south into Los Angeles and Ventura Counties Thursday night. The second wave arriving Friday morning will focus it`s energy on the south facing slopes from southern Santa Barbara County east through Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. Strong southerly winds combined with ample moisture will lead to periods of very heavy rain with rain rates at times around 1 inch per hour. Rainfall will begin to taper off Saturday morning with the flash flood threat ending around noon, though scattered showers are possible through the evening.

FLASH Flood Watch IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING… The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Los Angeles, Ventura, and southern Santa Barbara Counties from Friday morning through Saturday morning. Periods of moderate to heavy rain with rainfall rates at times around 1 inch per hour. Overall 2 to 4 inches of rain are expected across the coast and valleys while 4 to 8 inches are expected in the foothills and mountains. Heaviest along the south facing slopes from the Santa Ynez Range east through the San Gabriels.