Rain headed for county could arrive earlier than expected

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – The first and weaker of two winter storms threatening
San Diego County Wednesday may spur light rain in coastal and valley areas as early
as this evening, meteorologists said.

A weak trough of low pressure will bring gusty winds and a small chance
of light precipitation over and west of the mountains late today into early
Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. By early Friday, a second
and much stronger storm is expected to bear down on the entire region.

“A large strong low pressure system over the Eastern Pacific will move
slowly inland through California for Friday through the weekend, bringing
periods of heavy precipitation and strong gusty winds,” according to the
weather service, which forecast widespread rain and winds Friday morning into
Friday afternoon, and intermittent showers and winds from Friday night to
Sunday.

Rainfall totals from the second storm are expected to range from 1 to 2
inches along the coast to 3 to 5 inches on coastal mountain slopes, though
local amounts could exceed 7 inches on south-facing mountain slopes.

“The rainfall could cause flash flooding and mud and debris flows near
recent burn areas as well as urban and small stream flooding,” an NWS advisory
said.

Wind gusts on Friday are expected to be around 65 miles per hour in the
mountains and deserts, and around 40 mph in coastal and valley areas.

The second storm is also likely to generate large, rough surf and strong
rip currents along local beaches. The weather service scheduled a beach
hazards statement from late Thursday night to Sunday afternoon, saying 8 to 10-
foot surf is possible by Saturday afternoon and evening.

Also, a gale watch for mariners off the coast of San Diego County will
be in effect from late Thursday night to late Friday night. A gale watch is
issued when the risk of gale-force winds of 34 to 47 knots has significantly
increased.