San Diego County is bracing for another round of heavy rain, strong winds, and even mountain snow as a powerful storm moves into the region. After showers earlier in the week, this new system is expected to bring more intense weather starting late Wednesday night and lasting through Friday.
According to the National Weather Service, the storm will kick off with widespread rain late Wednesday and continue with scattered, sometimes heavy, showers through Thursday afternoon. Winds will also pick up, creating blustery conditions from the coast all the way to the deserts.
A flood watch is set to take effect from 10 p.m. Wednesday until 6 p.m. Thursday for coastal areas, inland valleys, and the mountains. Rainfall could be intense, with up to one inch per hour possible in the mountains and areas with thunderstorms. Forecasters warn that excessive rain could lead to flooding in rivers, creeks, and other low-lying areas. There’s also a risk of debris flows near recent wildfire burn scars.
Wind advisories are also in place. Coastal areas and valleys can expect gusts between 30 and 40 mph on Thursday afternoon, while the deserts could see even stronger winds, reaching up to 55 mph from Wednesday night through Thursday. These gusts could knock down tree limbs and cause scattered power outages.
Meanwhile, in the mountains, a winter weather advisory is calling for snow accumulations of 3 to 8 inches above 5,000 feet. Winds there could roar between 50 and 65 mph, making for treacherous conditions. Drivers are being warned to prepare for slippery roads and difficult commutes throughout the day Thursday.
As San Diego County prepares for this intense weather, residents are advised to secure outdoor objects, avoid low-lying flood-prone areas, and stay updated on conditions. It’s going to be a wild few days, so take precautions and stay safe.
