Forecast of biggest L.A. rainstorm in 2 years met with cheers, fears

For a region that has hardly seen a drop of rain this winter, it can seem like anything more than a sprinkle is considered a downpour.

So when weather forecasters started warning that two storms headed to the Southland could produce the most significant rain the region has seen in two years, residents have reacted with a range of disbelief, eager anticipation and the sort of fear that grips every L.A. commuter who knows even a sprinkle can wreak havoc on the roadways.

PHOTOS: Los Angeles prepares for rain storms

The need for rain is pronounced. Since July 1, just 1.2 inches of rain have been recorded in the region, according to theNational Weather Service. The average is 10.45 inches by this time of year.

Still, periods of intense rainfall could cause flooding in storm drains and in foothill areas of the San Gabriel Mountains that were scorched last month during the Colby fire above Glendora and Azusa.

The storms could drop up to four inches of rain in mountain areas by the weekend, forecasters said.

Whatever the two storms bring, rest assured, it will be a huge turnaround from months of near-record-setting dry conditions. And this being L.A., residents took to social media to post the usual array of weather wisecracks ahead of time.