Flash Flood Risk Rises for Las Vegas and Phoenix as Storm Moves In

While the northeastern corner of the country is expecting dry and sunny conditions this week, it will be the reverse situation unfolding in the opposite corner of the U.S. A massive storm system is gearing up to dump heavy rain and ignite thunderstorms across the Southwest starting on Wednesday and lasting through the rest of the week. This is what you need to know if you live in this corner of the country.

Southwestern U.S. Braces for Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms

A developing storm is forecast to churn into the Southwest in the days ahead, raising the risk of flash flooding, high winds, and travel disruptions. Although the moisture coming along with this weather maker will be beneficial to the areas struggling with drought and wildfire concerns, the pattern will also carry the threat of mudslides and other severe impacts.

Forecasters are warning that the rain will come in several waves that will stretch from the Pacific coastline and into the Rockies. In addition to the new storm, some of Trudy's remnants may also creep up into the interior portions of the Southwest.

The moisture machine fired up on Tuesday in some areas of Oregon and Northern California. San Francisco will remain under the threat of rain showers through at least Thursday.

The latest forecast models predict that the most potent bands of moisture will arrive in Southern California just in time for the Wednesday evening commute, sticking around through Thursday morning. The forecast is calling for widespread rain totals of 0.50 to 1 inch of rain across the lower elevations of coastal Southern California.

Heavier rain amounting to 1 to 2 inches is expected for the south- and west-facing slopes of the hills of this part of the Golden State. This mountainous terrain will also be at the greatest risk of mudslides and debris flows, particularly across the recent burn scars.