‘Rainmaker' El Nino Storm Heads Our Way

The next El Nino storm will “announce” its arrival, before bringing wind, rain and snow to San Diego

The first storm in a while to hit San Diego will make itself known, first by pounding surf, then by howling wind, before moving into Southern California this weekend and early next week.

“The storm itself will move into the county in two waves,” said NBC 7’s Meteorologist Jodi Kodesh. “The first round of light showers will arrive late Saturday night, into Sunday. The second, bigger round, will arrive later Sunday into Monday. But, the surf and wind will certainly be noticeable, as it approaches.”

The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory for San Diego County beaches, in advance of the storm. The advisory remains in effect through 4 p.m. Tuesday. Waves of 5 to 8 feet are expected, with sets to 10 feet possible on Saturday.

Sunday, waves will be abnormally huge, with sets to 15 feet possible. Dangerous rip currents will pose an additional threat to swimmers.

Saturday, the approaching storm system will bring a slight chance of sprinkles to San Diego, with gusty west winds in the mountains and deserts. Saturday night, and early Sunday, the cold front will move through, with light to moderate rainfall and strong winds.

A more intense portion of the storm will move through late Sunday into Monday, with gusty west winds and numerous moderate to heavy rain showers. Monday will also include a chance of thunderstorms.

A wind advisory will also go into effect for the mountain and desert areas.

Showers may linger into Tuesday morning.

“When all is said and done, this could be a great rainmaker for us,” said Kodesh.

Kodesh says coast and inland areas could see anywhere from 0.75 to 1.25 inches of rain. Mountains could receive 1.5 to 2.5 inches of rain. Deserts could see anywhere from 0.25 to 0.40 inches of rain.

Mountain elevations above 5,000 feet could receive anywhere from 6 to 12 inches of snow, mainly on Monday.
 

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