India, Feb. 17 -- A powerful winter storm system moved across Southern California on Monday morning, drenching cities, flooding streets, and triggering emergency weather alerts. Officials warned residents to prepare for dangerous conditions as heavy rain, strong winds, and mountain snow swept through the region.

Forecasters said this is the first of three storms expected to impact the Southland this week. Meteorologists expect this system to deliver the heaviest rainfall and the coldest temperatures compared to the other incoming systems.

According to the National Weather Service, coastal and valley areas may receive between 1 and 3 inches of rain, while mountain communities could see 2 to 5 inches by late Monday. Higher elevations are ...