A nice break in the rain this evening but heavier rain expected by morning.
Showers will develop late tonight, becoming heavier between 3am and 7am. We expect a cold front combined with an atmospheric river, which will enhance rain totals. The slow movement of the storm and isolated thunderstorms will bring rain totals between 1 to 2.5 inches of rain.
A Flood Watch will be in effect from the coast to the mountains through midnight Sunday. The San Diego River could rise to flood stage, with flooding in the nearby areas, but flash flooding will be possible for the coast and inland, while the deserts will see the least amount of rainfall with totals under a half an inch.
We are seeing gusty winds with a Wind Advisory in effect for the coast and inland valleys until 6am Saturday. Southerly winds of 20 to 30mph and gusts to 45mph.
Snow levels are higher tonight around 5,500 feet but expect to lower as the cold front moves through early morning. Snow levels will lower to 3,500 feet. Heavier snow is expected Saturday late morning, lasting through early Sunday morning. Higher peaks could see another foot of snow.
A Winter Storm Warning remains is in effect in the mountains until 4am Sunday for the threat of heavy snow and gusty winds. Total snowfall will likely top out one to three feet above 4,000' with the highest peaks close to 32 inches. If you plan on traveling to the mountains, be ready for dangerous conditions with heavy snow and wind Saturday, slick roads, and chain restrictions. Fog will lower visibility Saturday morning also adding another element to the difficult travel conditions.
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
Temperatures will stay below normal, but the storm will make its way east on Sunday. Rain will taper off Sunday afternoon, with mostly cloudy skies on Monday turning partly cloudy. Another winter storm will bring rain and snow late Monday into Tuesday and Wednesday. The storm will be quick moving, but it does bring cold air, so daytime highs will stay chilly.
Stay with your ABC10News Pinpoint Weather Team for the most up-to-date information as these storms make their 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 put out sandbags before you go to bed tonight if you live in an area that may flood.
Saturday's Highs:
Coast: 57-61°
Inland: 52-61°
Mountains: 36-52°
Deserts: 60-64°
Follow ABC 10News Meteorologist Angelica Campos on Facebook, Instagram @camposcrusher and Twitter @10NewsCampos
