SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — A Pacific storm system, with rain and mountain snow, made landfall Monday in San Diego County and will continue bringing rain, snow and gusty winds to the region through Tuesday morning.
According to the NWS, up to one inch of rain was recorded in the mountains, with isolated amounts exceeding one inch expected through late Monday night. The rain that came down heavy early Monday in the areas that typically see flooding, such the Tijuana River Valley, fared well with standing water.
In the City of San Diego, there had been no flooding as of 5:00 p.m. Monday, but just in case the city was prepared with bypass pumps on stand by to fix any storm drain ruptures. Anthony Santacroce, City of San Diego spokesman, said residents can help by sweeping up curbs, putting lids on containers and make sure nothing is running into the curb that could cause clogged storm drains.
A winter storm warning issued Monday morning by the NWS remains in effect until 4 a.m. Tuesday for San Diego County mountains above 4,500 feet. Travel disruptions are expected in the mountains due to gusty winds and snow reducing visibility for motorists. The winter storms led the California Highway Patrol to require chains for drivers on Mount Laguna traveling between state Route 79 and Old Highway 80.
A high surf advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. Wednesday for county coastal areas, which should expect isolated amounts of rain up to .75 inches through late tonight. A small craft advisory is in effect until noon Tuesday for county coastal waters, with potentially hazardous conditions such as gusty winds and high seas expected for small watercraft.
The strongest winds were expected Monday afternoon.
Cal Fire crews reported mixed reactions when it comes to the storm. The swift water rescue team geared up for any water rescues. But as for potential fires, they say the rain buys them some time.
"We have a year-round fire season in San Diego, but everything ebbs and flows and if we can get these storms and a couple in a row, it minimizes the wildfire threat. It's beneficial all around, said Captain Thomas Shoots with Cal Fire.
San Diego County shores could see a surf of up to 10 feet into Tuesday, according to the NWS, which said a chance of thunderstorms and lightning is possible today at county beaches.
Showers were expected to let up after Tuesday morning, with dry conditions setting in starting Wednesday.
Watch: Snow falls near Sunrise Highway and Laguna Mountain in San Diego County