FAST-MOVING STORM TO DROP RAIN.

Byline: Jason Kandel Staff Writer

In what is being described as the first widespread, significant rain in a month, a blustery Pacific storm could drop up to an inch of rain and bring gusty winds today before clearing up Sunday, forecasters said.

The storm originating in the Gulf of Alaska was expected to arrive late Friday, drop rain and snow in the mountains, then dry up Sunday.

``This storm is moderate in intensity and relatively fast moving,'' said Bill Hoffer, a weather specialist with the National Weather Service. ``This is a typical storm. It's a transition time.''

Between one-quarter inch and one-half inch of rain is expected to drop along the coastal areas, while the foothills are expected to receive between one-half inch and an inch of rain.

Forecasters predict that up to 3 inches of snow could fall above the 4,000-foot level, with winds kicking up to 40 knots.

Valley area temperatures are expected to range from the high 30s to low 60s.

Mountain temperatures are expected to range from the low or mid-20s to low 40s.

One of the last major storms in the area hit March 5, a Pacific storm that dropped almost 4 inches of rain in Ventura and more than 2 inches in parts of the San Fernando Valley.

Since Jan. 1, weather specialists have recorded 15.63 inches of rain in downtown L.A., compared with last year's 9.24 inches. The normal rainfall for the same period is 8.91 inches.

The snowfall, gusty winds and fog could make for difficult driving conditions, authorities said.

``Give plenty time, start early and make sure your windshield wipers are in good repair,'' said CHP Officer Karen Faciane. ``Make certain you have enough room between the front of your vehicle and the rear of the vehicle in front of you. Be aware that when the roadway is wet, you do not have the reaction time you would have when the pavement is dry.''