Storm Prompts Flood Watch, Wind Advisory In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — A significant winter storm will bring widespread rain, mountain snow and gusty winds to Southern California on Tuesday, prompting National Weather Service advisories and watches for San Diego County.

A flood watch is in effect for the county's coastal areas, mountains and valleys through Tuesday evening due to excessive rain expected throughout the day with isolated afternoon thunderstorms.

Rainfall rates are anticipated to be a half-inch per hour with higher rainfall rates on coastal mountain slopes, according to the National Weather Service. The forecast calls for rainfall to reach 1 to 1.5 inches west of the mountains and 2 to 3 inches along the mountains below 5,000 feet.

Rainfall totals could reach an inch over some parts of the high deserts as well, which can cause flooding where water is unable to drain properly on roadways.

"Flash flooding on Tuesday is possible due to excessive rainfall through the day with isolated afternoon thunderstorms," forecasters said. "Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations."

Periods of moderate to heavy rain and snow are expected to move in from the northwest Tuesday morning and continue through the early evening before the system rapidly ejects to the east, according to the National Weather Service.

Heavy snow is possible above 6,000 feet, but the snow level will fluctuate and likely be above 7,000 feet until late Tuesday evening, forecasters said.

Periods of damaging winds are also likely across the San Diego region.

A wind advisory is in effect until midnight Tuesday for the county's coastal areas and valleys, where 20 to 30 mph winds with gusts up to 35 to 45 mph are expected, according to the National Weather Service.

"Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result," forecasters said. "Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects."

Meanwhile, a high wind warning is in effect until 4 a.m. Wednesday for the county's deserts and mountains, where 25 to 35 mph winds with gusts up to 60 to 70 mph are expected.

"Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines," forecasters warned. "Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles."

Temperatures are expected to stay below average for the remainder of the week with another chance for light rain late Thursday into Friday.

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