Warm and mostly sunny weather in San Diego County Wednesday is expected to give way to potentially damaging winds and rainfall that could cause flooding later this week as a strong Pacific storm moves into the region.
Rain may start falling late Thursday night into Friday morning. Strong winds and heavier rain will begin Friday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
The strongest wind gusts are expected on Friday.
Forecasters said flooding was probable with the heaviest rain.
The San Diego, Santa Margarita and Tijuana rivers will likely record significant flows, and the San Diego and Santa Margarita rivers may reach flood levels early Saturday, forecasters said. The Tijuana River watershed may also be prone to flooding.
Once the soil becomes saturated, flooding may also occur at low water crossings, near stream banks, in poorly draining urban areas and below recently burned locales. Rock slides may close some steep rural highways, according to the NWS.
The winds are expected to weaken and the rainfall will lighten up Saturday. Some showers may linger into Sunday, but the region should dry out by Monday, according to the NWS.
