SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Locals and visitors in San Diego's mountains Friday awoke to a winter wonderland of snowfall.
A Thanksgiving storm brought a fresh coating of snowfall to the county's higher elevations, including areas of Julian, Descanso, Palomar Mountain, Pine Valley, and Mt. Laguna. A winter storm warning will continue through 10 p.m. Friday.
San Diego mountains can expect to see about 10 to 18 inches of snow above 5,500', 10News meteorologist Megan Parry reports. Areas between 3,000 and 4,000 feet will see trace amounts to 2 inches of snow, and areas 4,000 and 4,500' can expect about 3 to 8 inches. The county's highest peaks could get 2 feet of snow by the end of the day.
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Chains are required when heading up to the mountain areas and wind gusts up to 50 mph will make traveling hazardous. Icy roads is also a concern.
Not heading to the snow this weekend? Check out the snowfall in Julian Friday morning from the comfort of your screen:
Scattered showers will continue to keep most of San Diego soaked Friday, but the worst of the rain has moved out of the county. Thanksgiving Day saw about 1.37" of rain locally, breaking the San Diego's previous Thanksgiving record of 1.26" set in 2008.
Several crashes were recorded throughout the day Thursday. Travel on rain slicked roads is also a concern early Friday.
RELATED: Coast-to-coast storm will dump more rain and snow during weekend travel rush
Thunderstorms are possible throughout areas of San Diego's East County and periods of heavy rain could last through the morning.
A beach hazard statement is in effect until 4 p.m., with waves of about 2 to 7 feet and strong rip currents a possibility. The threat of flooding locally also continues into Friday, the biggest threat being between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Locals are advised to avoid going into the water along the coast, as storm runoff could bring contaminants to San Diego's beaches.
