CALIFORNIA – Winter weather is here in full swing, and while that may mean snow showers for the rest of the U.S., Southern California is prepping for a weekend filled with a deluge of rain.

"The bulk of the rain will swing through Southern California from Thursday night to Friday morning," stated Accuweather Senior Meteorologist Jim Andrews.

The storm began on the Northern West Coast last night, but as the storm continued to move light rainfall began today in California. The brunt of the storm will roll in later this evening, bringing heavy rain and high winds along with it to the south.

Earlier this morning, the National Weather Service listed flood and flash flood warnings for several southern California cities and valleys, such as Santa Monica and San Bernardino mountains, the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, and San Gabriel valleys, and Los Angeles county.

"Part of the Los Angeles basin may receive an inch of rain from the storm," stated AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dan Pydynowski, elaborating that some of the rain might even reach into the desert areas which includes Palm Springs.

Accuweather reported that authorities expect travel delays through Southern California and affected areas as the bulk of the rain passes through.  Officials are expressing extra caution for those traveling by highway and predict delays, particularly Interstate 5, I-10, I-15, and I-80.

KTLA 5 also warned that areas which have experienced recent burns could also be at increased potential for flash flooding. As the system sweeps its way through the bottom half of the state, officials expect rainfall to be slightly less in the coasts and valleys, and higher in the mountains and foothills.

As rain continues to whip through California, AndNowUKnow will have the latest on its impact to state and its ongoing drought status.