By Reginald Stanley. Posted November 28, 2018, 5:19 PM.

An incoming Pacific storm is forecast to bring moderate to heavy rainfall to the region Thursday, being preceded by light rainfall Wednesday night.

Strengthening onshore flow Wednesday evening will bring light rain ahead of a Pacific storm forecast to arrive Thursday. Due to a potentially large subtropical tap, heavy rain may result Thursday, with snow levels falling down to roughly 5,000 feet above sea level. As a cold front moves through the region Thursday morning, the National Weather Service has predicted a possibility of isolated thunderstorms during this time frame as well. Rainfall may be heaviest along coastal mountain slopes.

Precipitation totals may accumulate to anywhere between 1/2 an inch and 1.5 inches by Thursday evening in the valleys. Up to 2 or 3 inches are expected in the mountains, while deserts are forecast to receive less than 1/4 inch. Additional, weaker storms may arrive Saturday.

Recent burn areas, such as that of the Holy Fire, are at high risk for mudslides as the topsoil has been loosened and broken up by fire damage in these areas. Sudden heavy rains could trigger flows and flooding.