Powerful winds from the coast to the deserts tonight into tomorrow. Strongest winds will peak into early Wednesday morning.
A cold storm will keep the weather active all week, with possible rain and snow through the weekend.
Strong winds will make for difficult driving conditions, with unusually strong winds for the coast topping 60mph, and even stronger winds ranging from 80 to 100mph for the mountains and deserts. Winds strong enough to topple high profile vehicles, trees, and powerlines.
Showers have started scattered around the county but light in nature in comparison to what we expect later this week.
Our first High Wind Warning for the coast since 2016, will be in effect until 8pm Wednesday for westerly winds of 25 to 35mph and peak gusts up to 60mph.
A High Wind Warning also in effect for the deserts until 6pm Wednesday for westerly winds of 35 to 55mph and peak gusts to 100mph.
A level lower Wind Advisory will be in effect until 6pm Wednesday for the inland valleys for westerly winds of 20 to 30mph and peak gusts to 55mph.
The first wave of rain will be lighter with most areas receiving less than .50" through Wednesday. The second wave will bring more widespread rain that will be heavy Thursday afternoon into Friday with the threat of localized flooding and ponding on the roadways.
The second wave of the storm may have a few embedded thunderstorms, the best chance will be on Friday. Preliminary forecast totals through the weekend will range between 1 to 5 inches of rain.
Snow:
The first wave of snow will be lighter but will bring unusually low snow levels between 2,000' and 2,500' by tomorrow morning. Preliminary accumulations of 1 to 7" are expected through Wednesday night with the first wave with the higher accumulations at the higher elevations. The snow coupled with wind gusts of 50 to 90mph will lead to dangerous blizzard-like conditions.
The second wave will bring heavier and more impactful snowfall leading to travel difficulty and the likelihood of school closures. Snow levels Thursday through Saturday will hover between 3,500' and 4,500' where an additional 1 to 12" of snow is possible, but there is higher uncertainty for snowfall totals with this second wave.
A Winter Storm Warning will be in effect until 3pm Saturday for the threat of heavy snow and dangerous winds while a rare Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect for the inland valleys from 4am Wednesday through 10am Thursday where up to an inch of snowfall will be possible above 2,500' and even a light dusting down to 2,000'.
Elevations:
Above 5,000': Mt. Laguna, Palomar Mountain, Lookout Mountain
Above 4,000': Julian, Ranchita, Tierra Del Sol
Above 3,000': Pine Valley, Pine Hills, Descanso, Warner Springs, Otay Mountain
Above 2,500': Campo, Oak Grove, Santa Ysabel
Above 2,000': Alpine, Potrero
High Surf Advisory will be in effect along the coast from 8pm today until 3am Thursday for waves of 7 to 12' and sets to 14' leading to dangerous conditions.
Showers finally taper off on Sunday though the chilly air lingers, and some light showers can't be ruled out either. Expect temperatures to top out mostly 10 to 20 degrees below average Tuesday through the weekend.
Monday looks like the best day over the next 7-days, before another system brings more rain and snow starting Tuesday.
Stay with your ABC10News Pinpoint Weather Team for the most up to date information, as the storm makes its way through the county. Be sure to check your tire pressure and tread, replace od windshield wipers, clear drains, and fill sandbags if you live in an area that may flood.
Wednesday's Highs:
Coast: 60-63°
Inland: 61-65°
Mountains: 46-60°
Deserts: 72-75°
Follow ABC 10News Meteorologist Angelica Campos on Facebook, Instagram @camposcrusher and Twitter @10NewsCampos
