Powerful Storm Could Hit South Bay Friday

A strong storm system that could bring more than two inches of rain to coastal areas is predicted to hit Southern California by the end of the week.

The National Weather Service predicts the system, which is developing in the Pacific, could affect the Southland into the weekend.

Heavy rain and snow in mountain areas is predicted for Friday and Saturday.

According to the NWS, rain will develop on the central coast Friday morning, reaching the Los Angeles Basin sometime Friday afternoon or night. The rain is expected to turn to showers from northwest to southeast across the region Saturday.

"In addition to the rain, this storm could bring gusty south winds to parts of the Southland," the NWS said in a weather statement Tuesday.

NWS forecasters said the storm could produce up to two inches of rain in coastal and valley areas, and up to four inches in the foothills and mountains.

Significant snow is possible at higher elevations, they said.

In the South Bay, NWS predicts rain by Friday night, which is expected to continue into Saturday and Sunday. Highs for the weekend are predicted in the low 60s.