[KHTS] – A storm system is expected to bring a significant amount of rain the Santa Clarita Valley, as well as the rest of the Los Angeles area, on Thursday and Friday of next week, according to the National Weather Service.

There is a potential for isolated thunderstorms.

In Santa Clarita, Thursday is expected to remain sunny during the day, but there is a 35% chance of rain beginning Thursday night and a 70% chance of rain Friday morning, according to National Weather Service officials.

There is also a slight chance of rain Saturday morning.

Coastal and valley areas have the potential to get 1-3 inches of rain during the storm, while foothill and mountain areas have the potential to get 4-5 inches.

The Los Angeles area got approximately 3 inches of rain during the storm that occurred earlier this month on Dec. 2-3, according to data retrieved from the National Weather Service office of Los Angeles/Oxnard.

It’s possible that rainfall rates of about one half inch per hour will be possible, according to National Weather Service officials.

Rainfall rates of this intensity could bring the threat of flash flooding and mud and debris flows to locations in and around recent burn areas.

According to the National Climatic Data Center, Santa Clarita would need from 12-15 inches of rain to end the drought in a single month.

The snow level near 8500 ft. on Thursday morning will drop to between 4000-5000 ft. by Friday morning. Snow could impact travel on the Tejon Pass on Interstate 5 and Soledad Pass on Hwy. 14.

Wintry driving conditions should be expected for those planning to travel through mountain areas Dec. 11 and 12.

Santa Clarita residents should also expect gusty south to southwest winds to develop between Wednesday and Thursday night, gusts over 50 mph will be possible across higher terrain.

Traveling motorists should be especially cautious of weather conditions.

Residents are encouraged to monitor the latest National Weather Service forecasts and statements about this potentially significant storm system.

– Jessica Lynn