Cold winter storm to bring rain, snow to county

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – A very cold storm out of Canada will arrive in San Diego County Tuesday night, likely causing it to snow in unusual areas, meteorologists said.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for valley, mountain and desert areas from 4 p.m. Tuesday to 4 p.m. Wednesday, saying the snow level may drop to as low as 1,000 feet in some areas overnight. That would mean in addition to places like Julian and Mount Laguna that regularly get at least some snowfall each winter, lower-lying areas that rarely see snow like Ramona may also get snow tonight.

Six inches to a foot of snow accumulation is likely in the mountains above 3,000 feet, with the highest totals above 5,000 feet, the NWS said, adding 1 to 5 inches is possible between 2,000 and 3,000 feet.

Temperatures overnight will vary greatly throughout the county, from the 30s and low 40s in coastal areas to single digits in the mountains, according to the Weather Service.

The snow and low temperatures are expected to be accompanied by strong winds, with wind chill values possibly falling below zero in the mountains.

The Weather Service said sustained winds will be 20 to 30 miles per hour in the northern mountains, and from 10 to 20 mph in the southern mountains. Gusts will range anywhere from 30 to 50 mph, according to the agency.

Residents and travelers in the mountains were cautioned to watch out for reduced visibility due to blowing snow.

“Only travel in an emergency,” the NWS said. “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, extra clothes or blankets, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.”