California Braces for Power Outages and Downed Trees as Another Winter Storm Rolls In

LOS ANGELES (AP) - California is preparing for another round of winter storms that are expected to bring heavy rains, strong winds, and possible power outages and downed trees.

The National Weather Service has issued a series of warnings for the state, with the first storm expected to hit on Tuesday and the second on Thursday.

The storms are expected to bring up to 4 inches of rain to some areas, with higher amounts possible in the mountains. Wind gusts of up to 50 mph are also forecast, which could lead to power outages and downed trees.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is urging residents to be prepared for the storms, which could bring dangerous conditions.

"Make sure you have a plan in place in case of power outages or other emergency situations," said Cal Fire Chief Thom Porter. "Secure loose objects outside, and avoid driving in flooded areas."

Pacific Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison are also warning customers to be prepared for potential power outages. Both companies are monitoring the weather and are prepared to deploy crews to restore power as quickly as possible if outages occur.

The storms are a welcome sight for many in California, which is experiencing a severe drought. However, officials warn that the heavy rain could lead to flash flooding and mudslides in some areas.

Residents are urged to stay informed about the weather conditions and take precautions to stay safe during the storms.