Two Winter Storms to Hit San Diego County Over New Year's Weekend

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – The first of two winter storms that will hit San Diego County with chilly temperatures, rain, mountain snow and gusty wind in the final days of 2016 is expected to move into the region Friday.

The first bout of low pressure will likely bring rain and a slight chance of thunderstorms to most areas throughout the day, according to the National Weather Service.

Rainfall amounts from the first bout of inclement weather are expected to range from a quarter to half an inch, with more on higher mountains.

Forecasters predicted the storm would drop .21 of an inch of rain in Borrego Springs; .24 in San Diego; .30 in the Miramar area; .34 in Escondido; .35 in Alpine; .37 in Alpine and Ramona; .42 on Mount Laguna; .48 in Julian; and .59 on Palomar Mountain.

The snow level will hover around 7,500 feet, and a few inches may accumulate on higher mountain peaks, forecasters said.

Forecasters said rain showers may linger overnight ahead of a stronger, colder storm set to move into the region from the northwest on Saturday. A winter weather advisory for the mountains will extend from 4 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. on New Year's Day.

Light rain is expected to turn to moderate to heavy downpours Saturday afternoon, and the snow level is expected to drop to around 4,000 Saturday night, according to the NWS. Forecasters warned that hazardous travel conditions and impaired visibility will be possible, especially in the mountains New Year's Eve.

Afternoon high temperatures are expected to fall to about 10 degrees below average by the end of the week.

Winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts to 50 mph are expected in some mountain locales, according to the NWS.

The storm is expected to dissipate late Saturday night, but winds conditions will likely persist into the new year, forecasters said.

By City News Service / Image via Shutterstock