A cold Pacific storm system that made landfall Monday in San Diego County was expected to continue bringing rain, snow and gusty winds to the region through Tuesday morning.
The highest rain totals were concentrated in the mountain areas, with 1.62 inches recorded at Lake Henshaw, 1.47 inches at Pine Valley, and 1.42 inches at Mesa Grande.
Up to an additional inch of rainfall is possible in the region through tonight, particularly in the northern areas and coastal slopes, accompanied by temperatures dipping into the upper 30s in the valleys, the National Weather Service said.
Alex Tardy, an NWS meteorologist, said the wet weather is helpful but a lot more is needed to make up for the lack of rainfall so far this season.
“We haven't seen any cold front or weather system of any significance since Nov. 7. This is really only our second storm for this winter so far,” Tardy said. “So we are basically doubling our rainfall totals with this one storm.”
A winter storm warning issued this morning by the NWS remains in effect until 4 a.m. Tuesday for San Diego County mountains above 4,500 feet. Elevations above 5,000 feet can expect eight to 14 inches of snow, while those above 6,500 feet may get up to 20 inches, according to the NWS.
Travel disruptions are expected in the mountains due to gusty winds and snow reducing visibility for motorists. The winter storms led the California Highway Patrol to require chains for drivers on Mount Laguna traveling between state Route 79 and Old Highway 80.
A high surf advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. Wednesday for county coastal areas, which should expect isolated amounts of rain up to .75 inches through late tonight. A small craft advisory is in effect until noon Tuesday for county coastal waters, with potentially hazardous conditions such as gusty winds and high seas expected for small watercraft.
San Diego County shores could see a surf of up to 10 feet into Tuesday, according to the NWS, which said a chance of thunderstorms and lightning is possible today at county beaches.
Showers were expected to let up after Tuesday morning, with drier conditions setting in starting Wednesday.
Trady said this storm alone may not remove the threat of an already extended wildfire season after a dry year with record-breaking heat.
“We are going to need at least two or three storms in January to probably completely end the fire season for everywhere. When I mean everywhere I mean from the mountains all the way to the coast and all the way up to L.A.,” he said.
The good news is that January and February tend to be the wettest months of the year in San Diego.
