A storm system moving into Southern California this week is expected to bring widespread rain and gusty winds, with the potential for heavier downpours in some areas, according to forecasters.

The National Weather Service said there was still variability about the strength of the expected storm.

“Unfortunately, there is still a range of outcomes which means an uncertain forecast. It still looks like a mostly moderate-type rain event with generally minor impacts, but a few projections remain which favor a more significant event,” the weather service stated.

Early estimates suggest the storm will hit the Los Angeles area late Tuesday and last through Wednesday morning, with most places seeing moderate rainfall; about an inch in coastal and valley regions and 2 to 3 inches in foothills and mountains.

“All of the moisture from this system originates from the warmer ocean waters and this will keep the snow levels at or above 8,000 feet,” the weather service said.

Temperatures are expected to cool significantly, with highs dropping to the lower to mid-60s on Tuesday and near 60 by Wednesday.

Forecasters said this week’s anticipated rainfall poses minimal threat of triggering destructive mudslides or debris flows in Southern California’s recent burn areas. However, some risk remains, and the total rainfall amounts could vary widely, according to the weather service.

Los Angeles County experienced its first significant winter storm Jan. 25 through Monday, bringing widespread rainfall across the region. The Los Angeles basin saw accumulations ranging from half an inch to 1.5 inches, while downtown L.A. recorded a total of 0.54 inches of rain.

Although the storm spared recent burn areas in Pacific Palisades and Altadena from the heaviest rainfall, it still caused issues. There were reports Monday of minor mudflows brought on by the rain, including a slide that closed Topanga Canyon Boulevard at Pacific Coast Highway. Lingering snowfall also forced a roughly 11-hour closure Monday of the Grapevine stretch of the 5 Freeway in northern Los Angeles and southern Kern counties.

L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said Saturday that L.A. County Public Works was preparing the region for the upcoming rains, including by cleaning drainage facilities and debris basins and installing additional K-rails and sandbags at vulnerable sites.