Free sandbags are being offered to residents in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County to be used to protect properties in advance of a storm forecast to hit this weekend.
Rain, possibly heavy, is expected to reach the San Diego area on Saturday, tapering off late. A second storm could strike on Sunday, with showers lingering into Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
The storm system will also bring much colder weather and locally strong gusty westerly winds, especially in the mountains and deserts, but also in the coastal areas and inland valleys.
Up to an inch of rain could fall west of the mountains and 1 to 3 inches of precipitation could descend on coastal mountain slopes.
The rain will make roads slick and motorists are advised to use extra caution.
There could be flooding or poorly drained low-lying areas and possible mud slides in and below steep terrain and burn areas, according to the Weather Service.
Heavy rains can cause severe soil erosion, especially in areas that are not covered by lawns, trees, shrubs and other foliage, according to the San Diego County Department of Public Works. That erosion can lead to property damage, flooding, blocked roads and clogged sewers and culverts.
The Department of Public Works is offering free sand bags at seven fire station locations at:
-- Cal Fire Station 73, 28205 N. Lake Wohlford Road, Valley Center
-- Cal Fire Station 70, 16971 state Highway 76, Valley Center
-- Cal Fire Station 50, 1587 state Highway 78, Julian
-- Alpine Fire Protection District Station 17, 1364 Tavern Road, Alpine
-- Cal Fire Mount Woodson Station, 16310 state Highway 67, Ramona
-- North County Fire Protection District Station 4, 4375 Pala Mesa
Drive, Fallbrook
-- Cal Fire Station 30, 17304 state Highway 94, Dulzura.
