Updated at 10:20 a.m. Jan. 6, 2016
Rain is expected to alternate between light and heavy in San Diego County Wednesday as the latest in a week full of storm systems moves across Southern California.
Wednesday morning in San Diego County there is a chance of showers, with rain likely and a possibility of a thunderstorm after 10 a.m. The storm could produce small hail and gusty winds, and a wind advisory in effect in the county from noon to 6 p.m. today, according to the National Weather Service.
More showers and a possible thunderstorm are predicted for Thursday, with daytime temps in the high 50s.
A flash flood watch continues for the coastal areas through 4 a.m. Thursday, and a high surf advisory continues through 10 p.m. Friday.
Winds of between 15 and 25 mph are expected along the coast, with gusts up to 40 mph in the afternoon.
Residents and businesses in the city of La Mesa can acquire free sandbags Wednesday to protect against flooding. City officials said the sandbags may be picked up in the shed in front of the fuel facility at the La Mesa Public Works Department located at 8152 Commercial St. They request that individuals take only what they need.
In the mountains, a winter storm warning is in effect above 4,500 feet from 2 p.m. Wednesday until 4 a.m. Friday. Winds between 25 and 35 mph are expected, with gusts up to 50 mph.
Travelers are advised to check weather reports, prepare for inclement weather and use extreme caution.
Heavy snowfall is expected Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning, followed by light to moderate snowfall through Thursday night. Through Friday, between 6 and 12 inches of snow is expected to accumulate between 4,500 and 5,500 feet, between 1 and 2 feet between 5,500 and 7,000 feet, and from 2 to 4 feet above 7,000 feet, the NWS said.
The stormy weather is already playing havoc on local roads. The California Highway Patrol Wednesday reported that there were 374 traffic collisions Tuesday on San Diego County freeways and unincorporated area streets. That’s more than two-and-a-half times the average of 140 crashes on a normal “good weather day,” according to the CHP.
Forecasters say mostly sunny skies should return on Monday, with temperatures rising back into the low 60s.
— City News Service