A winter storm is expected to bring light rain and the possibility for snow to San Diego County on Christmas Day, according to forecasters.
Snow will fall at elevations above 5,000 feet with local mountains having the potential of two inches of snow, NBC 7 Meteorologist Sheena Parveen said.
"We’re talking about rain and wind for your Christmas morning, your Christmas Day, and if you're above 5,000 feet elevation, you could be seeing some snow," Parveen said in NBC 7's First Alert Forecast.
Parveen said in San Diego, Mount Laguna and Palomar Mountain have the best chance of seeing a white Christmas this year. Outside of San Diego County, Big Bear will most likely see snow on Christmas Day.
The weather system is also bringing strong winds to San Diego County.
Areas most affected include the inland valleys and coastal areas, including Vista, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Chula Vista, National City, San Diego, Escondido, El Cajon, San Marcos, La Mesa, Santee, and Poway.
NWS issued a wind advisory until 4 p.m. on Tuesday. During that time, winds will average 15 to 25 miles per hour.
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Strong winds can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles, NWS warned. Drivers should use caution on roadways east of Alpine, especially in mountain passes and on desert slopes.
High surf is also possible in San Diego County on Christmas Day, according to a NWS beach hazards statement.
Waves will average 4 to 7 feet on Tuesday with 9-foot waves possible at beaches south of Encinitas, NWS said. High tides will peak at 10:16 a.m. in La Jolla.
It is also possible that high surf will cause coastal flooding before it subsides Tuesday night.
NWS warns that high surf can create dangerous swimming conditions and strong rip currents. Beachgoers are urged to swim near a lifeguard.
The storm is expected to move out of the area on Wednesday, when San Diego will return to warmer and drier conditions, Parveen said.
