A storm system is expected to spread rain and high-elevation snow from north to south across Southern California beginning early Sunday morning, the National Weather Service said.
“A cold, winter storm system will push into Southern California today, with widespread rain and high-elevation snow,” the weather service said. “A cold front associated with the storm will also help to generate strong south-to-southwest winds, shifting to west later in the day.”
The agency said parts of Los Angeles County had already received an inch of rain early Sunday, with showers expected to begin in San Diego County by 8 a.m.
The snow level in the county mountains will start around 5,000 feet and drop to 4,000 feet as the storm progresses.
Highs on Sunday will be in the upper 50s along the coast and in the western valleys, the lower 50s near the foothills, the mid 40s in the mountains and mid 60s in the deserts.
A swell of 7-9 feet at 12-14 second periods was expected to arrive at the beaches Sunday. This may lead to wave sets of up to 7 feet on some of the west-facing beaches Monday and Tuesday, as well as enhanced risks for rip currents.
A small craft advisory was issued for 1 a.m. Sunday to 4 p.m. Monday in coastal waters from San Mateo Point to the Mexican border, and out to 30 nautical miles from San Mateo Point to the Mexican border extending 30 to 60 nautical miles out including San Clemente Island.
The storm is expected to exit to the east Monday night, but colder than normal weather was predicted to continue through midweek.
Updated at 7:40 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022
City News Service contributed to this article