A strong late-spring storm will bring light rain and gusty winds to San Diego County later Friday, meteorologists said.
"Wind gusts over the mountains and adjacent deserts will become quite strong early this evening, with gusts over 60 miles per hour expected in wind-prone areas,'' according to the National Weather Service. "Winds this strong will pose a hazard to motorists and cause considerable blowing dust and sand in the deserts.''
The agency issued a high wind warning for local mountain and desert areas from 3 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Saturday, saying sustained winds would be around 30 to 40 mph.
Though rain is likely to fall from Friday evening into Saturday morning, the NWS forecast less than 0.15 inches of rainfall in most coastal and valley areas and up to 0.75 inches along coastal mountain slopes.
Along the coast, a beach hazards statement for elevated surf and strong rip currents is scheduled from Saturday morning to late Monday night. According to the NWS, the highest waves will occur on south-facing beaches, with 4- to 7-foot waves likely.
"The trough of low pressure (will exit) our region by Sunday, with drier and much warmer conditions arriving for the upcoming next week,'' the NWS said.
