This unusually cold storm will continue to impact our region with heavier rain and snow Friday afternoon into early Saturday morning.
Temperatures will go up slightly on Friday, but still trending 10 to 20 degrees below average through the weekend. We've seen over 3 inches of snow as low as Warner Springs and it's not out of the question to see snow as low Saturday morning.
Showers will be scattered in nature tonight with isolated thunderstorm possible. We could see another quarter of an inch to a half inch of rain into early morning. Rain will become heavier later in the day on Friday with over an inch of rain possible. Rain totals will range from 1 to inches of rain across our coast and inland valleys. Lesser amounts are expected in the deserts.
We'll be able to see those impressive amounts due to a relatively weak atmospheric river, but it will be slow-moving leading to a higher threat of flooding.
Additional rainfall through Saturday is expected to average between 1 to 3 inches. A Flood Watch will be in effect from the coast to the mountains from 4pm Friday through late Saturday night, 12am Sunday.
Along with the rain, the wind will be picking up with gusty conditions Friday. A Wind Advisory will be in effect for the coast and inland valleys from 6am Friday until 6am Saturday for southerly winds of 20 to 30mph and gusts to 45mph. While the winds are not as strong as Tuesday or Wednesday, the ground will be more saturated, and the winds could be strong enough to bring down more trees and power lines.
Snow levels tonight will hover around 5,000' tonight into early tomorrow with another 8 to 12 inches possible in the higher tops. Snow will lead to difficult to near-impossible travel conditions on Friday and Saturday. Snow levels today will hover around 4,000' during the day Friday and potentially up to 5,000' when the most widespread precipitation arrives overnight Friday into early Saturday morning. Mid to late morning Saturday snow levels will quickly drop back to 4,000' and bottom out at 3,500' by Saturday evening lasting through Sunday.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect in the mountains until 3pm Saturday for the threat of heavy snow and gusty winds. Total snowfall will likely top out one to two feet above 4,000' with the highest peaks close to 32 inches.
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
Showers taper off Saturday afternoon with a few light showers lingering into Sunday, but the chilly air lingers. We get a brief break in the rain and snow Monday before another system brings more rain and snow Tuesday and Wednesday.
Stay with your ABC10News Pinpoint Weather Team for the most up-to-date information as the storm makes its way through the county. If you haven't done so already, be sure to check your tire pressure and tread, replace old windshield wipers, clear drains, and fill sandbags if you live in an area that may flood.
Friday's Highs:
Coast: 52-57°
Inland: 47-55°
Mountains: 29-43°
Deserts: 54-58°
Follow ABC 10News Meteorologist Angelica Campos on Facebook, Instagram @camposcrusher and Twitter @10NewsCampos
