Winter Storm Brings Rain, Snow To San Diego County

SAN DIEGO — Steady rain showers are expected throughout San Diego County Thursday and heavy snow could fall in the mountains.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning that will be in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday in the county mountains.

Snow levels will drop to around 3,500 feet by Thursday afternoon. Between 4 and 8 inches of snow is expected to fall above 4,000 feet, forecasters said, and mountain areas above 5,000 feet could get between 10 and 16 inches of snow.

Heavy snowfall could limit visibility and cause tree branches to fall. Weather officials advised travelers driving in the mountains to keep extra flashlights, food and water in their vehicles in case of an emergency.

By 7 a.m., the NWS confirmed heavy snow was sticking to the ground around 2,000 feet east of Ramona. Snow was also reported in Alpine.

Authorities shut down both directions of Interstate 8 between Imperial Highway in Ocotillo and state Route 79 due to snow and ice on the roadway. Heavy snowfall also shut down all eastbound lanes of state Route 78 and SR-79 at the 78/79 junction in Santa Ysabel.

The low pressure storm system moving to the east is expected to drop up to 1.4 inches of rain in coastal and inland valley areas, up to 1.5 inches of rain in the mountains and up to six-tenths of rain in the deserts.

The NWS issued an urban and small stream flood advisory for parts of the county. The advisory is in effect until 10:15 a.m. Thursday.

Some locations that will likely experience flooding include Alpine, Chula Vista, El Cajon, La Mesa, National City, Poway, Ramona and Vista, according to the NWS.

"Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads," weather officials said. "Most flood deaths occur in vehicles."

• Also see: Flood Advisory Issued For Parts Of San Diego County

The NWS also issued a wind advisory for the county's coastal areas and valleys. The advisory is in effect until noon Thursday.

Impacted locations include the cities of Carlsbad, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, La Mesa, National City, Poway, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee and Vista.

"Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects," weather officials said. "Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result."

• Also see: Wind Advisory Issued For San Diego County

High temperatures Thursday could reach 56 degrees near the coast and inland, 55 in the western valleys, 50 near the foothills, 43 in the mountains and 51 in the deserts, according to the NWS.

Another storm is on track to reach the county on Monday. The storm could bring light rain, forecasters said.

City News Service and Kristina Houck/Patch contributed to this report.