LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Southland braced for a storm system encroaching on the area Wednesday, which is forecasted to bring 1 to 5 inches of rain to various parts of the Los Angeles area, setting the stage for a wet Rose Parade and prompting evacuation warnings for residents near recent burn zones.

The storm system was moving into the area from the south Wednesday with periods of rain through next week, heaviest Wednesday night into New Year's Day, virtually guaranteeing a soggy Rose Parade and New Year's Day celebrations.

"The peak of the rainfall in the short term will be Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon with a lingering shower threat Thursday night and Friday," according to the National Weather Service. "Rainfall rates are expected to be in the 0.25 to 0.50 inch per hour range. However, there will be locally higher rates of around 0.50-1.00 inch per hour Wednesday night and Thursday associated with heavier pockets of rain and potential thunderstorms."

Forecasters warned that the storm will likely bring enhanced risks of widespread flooding, in addition to mudslide and rockslide activity.

The NWS said there is "a near 100% chance" of rain falling on the Rose Parade -- and on people camping out for the parade on Wednesday night. Rain has not fallen on the Rose Parade 2006. The floral procession has traditionally managed to avoid precipitation, with rain dampening the event less than a dozen times in its previous 136 years.

Given last week's storms that saturated the ground in many areas, authorities again warned of possible mud and debris flows from the upcoming rain. The NWS issued flood watches covering much of Los Angeles County and Orange County coastal and inland areas for Wednesday evening through Thursday evening.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday that he has directed the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services to pre-position fire and rescue personnel and resources in areas most at risk for flooding, mud, and debris flows -- including parts of Southern California, with a particular eye towards burn scar areas.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass' office said the city's Emergency Operations Center was activated Wednesday to coordinate preparedness measures and ensure all personnel are ready to respond as needed.

Bass added that the LAFD is augmenting staffing of specialized resources that can assist with swift water rescues, mud and debris flows, and other rain-related issues with a specific focus in burn scar areas.

Additionally, hte Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is ready to respond to any potential power outages and will work around the clock to meet customer demand, and L.A. Sanitation is on standby to assist with any flooding calls and with monitoring the city's wastewater conveyance system to manage the additional incoming water flow.

Evacuation warnings were set to take effect at 11 a.m. Wednesday for residents living near recent burn zones across Los Angeles County, including the Palisades, Eaton, Agua Dulce, Franklin, Bridge, Kenneth and Canyon fires, due to the possibility of mud or debris flows.

Caltrans will fully close the 3.6-mile stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive in the unincorporated community of Topanga at 5 p.m. Wednesday in advance of predicted rainstorms and potential debris flows.

The closure follows last week's Christmas storms that brought mud and debris flows onto Topanga Canyon Boulevard and minor damage onto Pacific Coast Highway.

Caltrans officials are concerned about more damages amid already- saturated slopes on both streets.

The Palisades Fire recovery work zone on Pacific Coast Highway from Sunset Boulevard to Carbon Beach Terrace will remain open, with crews on standby to respond to flooding and debris flows.

Rainfall totals are estimated at up to 3.75 inches in the Palisades Fire burn scar area. Crews are preparing for the storm by moving equipment, placing k-rail and sandbags and stabilizing current retaining wall and other project work on Topanga Canyon Boulevard and PCH.

The county Board of Supervisors scheduled a special meeting for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday to ratify a local emergency proclamation issued earlier by board Chair Hilda Solis. The proclamation allows the county "to seek reimbursement for storm-related damages and accelerate recovery efforts" and ensure that "resources and assistance can be deployed quickly to support residents and communities affected by the storms."

Bill Handel