A major storm will dump rain and snow on the San Diego region over Easter weekend, with flooding possible before skies finally clear late Monday, the National Weather Service said.
“A strong Pacific storm will move slowly across the area this weekend into Monday. It will be much cooler,” the agency said. “Widespread moderate to locally heavy precipitation on Saturday will become more showery for Saturday night into Monday with a slight chance of
thunderstorms.”
Rainfall is forecast to be 1.5 to 2 inches for the coasts and valleys, 2 to 3 inches in the
mountains, and .25 to .5 inches in the deserts.
In the mountains, snowfall of 1 to 3 inches is expected from 5,000 to 5,500 feet, and 3 to 6 inches above 5,500 feet.
A flood watch will be in effect, with the weather service warning the San Diego River could rise over its banks at Fashion Valley by late Sunday.
Highs on Saturday and Sunday will be in the high 50s to low 60s along the coast, mid 50s in the valleys, mid 40s to low 50s in the mountains and mid 60s in the deserts.
A west southwest swell of 5 to 7 feet at 9 to 13 seconds could bring surf of up to 9 feet at west-facing beaches beaches and create dangerous swimming conditions.
Warmer and drier weather is forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday with highs around 5 degrees above average.
