A Pacific storm is expected to hit San Diego County late this week and could bring widespread rain, mountain snow, gusty winds and rough seas, forecasters said today.
National Weather Service forecasters said cooler conditions would develop on Thursday ahead of the storm, which should reach the San Diego region between Thursday and Friday nights.
Total precipitation amounts could range from more than 3 inches in the mountains to about half that in the valleys, up to a half-inch along the coast and a quarter-inch in the deserts. The moderate to heavy rain could cause flooding, and when combined with snow and/or wind gusts of more than 50 miles per hour, dangerous driving conditions on slick roads.
Mountain higher than 5,500 to 6,500 feet could get anywhere from a dusting of snow to several inches, according to the NWS. But that is not expected to affect Interstate 8 in East County, where three passes are all about 4,100 feet above sea level.
Surf was also expected to build from 4-7 feet to 7-10 feet this week as increasingly larger west-northwest swells hit the San Diego County coastline. Sets of up to 14 feet could be possible Friday through early Saturday, according to the NWS.
Weather service forecasters said the waves could be high enough to top jetties and sea walls, and produce minor flooding in low-lying beach areas. Strong rip currents will also be likely.
Rough seas for small watercraft could also be possible, forecasters said.
