According to the National Weather Service, a strongest storm, possibly "the most significant" one in the season so far, is barreling toward the Southern California and is expected to bring heavy rain to the area on Friday.

Forecasters said that, light to moderate rain will likely begin falling in the southwest part of California on Thursday as a weakening cold front approaches, but the heaviest precipitation is not expected until the following day. The heavy rain could last into early Saturday.

Initial estimates indicate that the possibility of 2 to 4 inches of rain for the coastal and valley areas, with the potential rainfall up to 8 inches on south-facing mountain slopes from the southern Santa Barbara extending southward, according to the weather service report.

The L.A. metropolitan area could also receive rainfall between 2 to 4 inches, according to Ryan Kittell, a forecaster with the weather service in the Oxnard.

The National Weather Service warned that, potential impacts from the widespread heavy rain include flooding in urban areas and small streams, as well as the flash flooding with mud and debris flows, especially in the recent burn areas. The rockslides along canyon walls are also possible.

Reduced visibility and slicks roads caused by the wet weather will likely result in the travel delays, according to the forecasters.

They noted the possibility of winter driving conditions down to 6000 feet from the late Friday into Saturday.

Additionally, the storm system is expected to bring the strong and potentially damaging winds, which could lead to the downed trees and power lines.

By Mrudula.