Storms expected to bring more rain

The first of three storms expected to drench Southern California in coming days made its way through the area Friday, bringing rain and about a half-foot of snow to the mountains.

A little more than a quarter of an inch of rain had fallen in downtown Los Angeles by early evening thanks to the fast-moving storm, according to the National Weather Service. Burbank recorded a similar amount, and nearly half an inch was reported in Newhall.

Six inches of snow fell on Mt. Wilson at the 5,000-foot level and 8 inches blanketed Mt. Baldy at the 8,000-foot level, the weather service said. There were also scattered reports of hail throughout the region.

Temperatures hovered in the 50s, with colder conditions at higher elevations. A winter storm warning was to remain in effect until 4 a.m. today for mountain areas in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

Preliminary numbers showed that Friday’s storm fell a little short of the forecast inch of rain along the coast and up to 1 1/2 inches in the foothills and mountains, but more wet weather is on the way -- after a brief respite today.

Forecasters said Valentine’s Day is expected to be dry, with a 20% chance of rain tonight. But a stronger system is expected to arrive Sunday night and last into early Tuesday.

The next two storm systems were expected to bring heavier rain than Friday’s because they will be slow-moving.

“The heaviest rain will be Monday through Monday night,” said Stuart Seto of the National Weather Service. “The third storm should arrive by Wednesday.”