Gusty wind, rain and mountain snow are expected to develop in San Diego County Monday night as the first of two storm systems to hit before Christmas moves into the region.
National Weather Service wind advisories for the mountains and the coast are scheduled to take effect at 10 p.m. Monday.
Near the beaches, winds of 15 to 20 miles per hour will be possible until a wind advisory there expires at 10 p.m. Tuesday. In the mountains, winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour, gusts to 50 mph and isolated gusts of up to 75 mph in some areas will be possible until that advisory expires at 3 a.m. Wednesday.
"A moist west-northwest flow pattern will bring stronger onshore flow with periods of strong gusty west winds for late tonight into Tuesday night for the mountains, portions of the deserts and areas near the coast," according to the weather service. "Strongest winds are expected near mountain ridge tops and along desert mountain slopes, especially for the mountain ranges in Riverside and San Diego counties."
Forecasters said the strong winds may lead to hazardous driving conditions, especially for motorists in high-profile vehicles. Visibility on some desert roadways may also be reduced due to blowing dust.
The first of a couple of weak storm systems to bring rain and mountain snow to San Diego County is also expected Monday night.
Forecasters said rainfall amounts tonight through Wednesday morning could reach up to 1 1/2 inches on west-facing mountain slopes and up to 2 inches in some areas.
Several inches of snow may fall in areas above 7,000 feet. The second is expected Thursday night into Friday morning, and more gusty wind, cool weather and rain will be possible.
