San Diego County’s first winter storm is pulling out all the bells and whistles on Monday, bringing moments of heavy rain, snow, hail and a slight chance of thunderstorms.
In wake of the storm, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning and a high surf advisory.
San Diego County News
More on what's happening in our region.
Rain
The region was soaked with early morning drizzle that began sometime around 3 a.m. thanks to an area of low pressure off the coast of Northern California that’s fueling Southern California’s storm.
As the day progressed, rain turned into scattered showers with the possibility of isolated thunderstorms in the evening. About an inch or two of rain is expected by the time the storm passes.
“It’s not going to be an all-day downpour but we’re going to see a little bit of a break then some spotty showers and then a chance of some heavier evening rain,” NBC 7 meteorologist Sheena Parveen said.
By about 2 p.m. Monday, coastal areas had received about a tenth-inch to a half-inch of rain and inland valleys received up to an inch of rain. North County was receiving more significant rainfall as it moved from West to East throughout the day.
Clouds that brought heavy bursts of showers -- and even some hail in North County -- parted way in the afternoon for a rainbow, which could be seen from Hillcrest to Oceanside.
Thunderous showers will increase for a time Monday evening but by Tuesday morning, little rainfall will remain. As the week progresses, the region will dry out in time for a pleasant New Year’s Eve.
Justin McIntyre, the general manager of the Baja Beach Café in Pacific Beach, said the storm, mixed with the ongoing pandemic, is a double whammy for his business.
“The moment it rains, everyone just disappears like rats on a ship," he told NBC 7. “Sometimes it will clear up and people will be drawn to the beach, but generally speaking, it kills us."
Though the general manager still has hope, saying, "We’re going to stay open. It’s what we do. We’ve got shelter. We’ve got cover. We’ve got margaritas. That’s what we do."
Snow
Photos: San Diego County's 1st Winter Storm Brings Rain, Snow and Rainbows
The winter storm warning will be in effect for mountain communities through 4 a.m. Tuesday. Elevations of 5,000 feet and above could see snowfall of 6 to 12 inches while areas above 6,500 feet can expect a whopping 12 to 18 inches of snow.
By 2 p.m. Monday, the National Weather Service reported Palomar Mountain, with an elevation of 5,600 feet, had received about 5.5 inches of snow. Mount Laguna had received about an inch.
In Julian, a sprinkling of snow fell in the early afternoon, which by 2 p.m., NWS described as "trace."
Difficult travel is expected on the roads in mountain areas, so Parveen highly recommends the public to refrain from visiting on Monday to avoid possible dangers.
The California Highway Patrol said those traveling to Mount Laguna on Monday would be required to have chains starting from the bottom of Sunrise Highway.
Surf
Meanwhile at the coast, a high surf advisory will be in effect until 10 a.m. Wednesday, according to NWS. Surf of 4 to 8 feet is possible while San Diego County’s southern shores face a staggering surf of up to 10 feet Monday through Tuesday.
How Does Rain Affect COVID-19 Testing Sites?
Due to the storm, a few outdoor COVID-19 testing sites in the county announced they will be closed. The following locations will not be open Monday:
- Mexican Consulate in San Diego -- 1549 India St.
- San Ysidro Port of Entry -- 795 E. San Ysidro Blvd.
- Valley Center Elementary School in Valley Center -- 28751 Cole Grade Rd.
- Aquatica San Diego in Chula Vista -- 2052 Entertainment Circle
- South Chula Vista Branch Library in Chula Vista -- 389 Orange Ave.
- Sycuan Market in El Cajon -- 4915 Dehesa Rd.
- Oceanside Test Site at Oceanside School District Headquarters -- 2111 Mission Ave.
