As SoCal braces for a deluge, the National Weather Service in San Diego has issued a flurry of alerts warning of the upcoming severe weather. According to NWS Forecast Office San Diego, CA, southern California will face "multiple rounds of impactful weather" this week, calling for broad precautions as an unsettled weather pattern takes hold. Coastal areas are forecast to receive 1.5 to 2 inches of rain, while mountainous regions could see 2 to 3 inches, and up to half an inch is expected in the deserts, potentially leading to flood risks, the agency's forecast indicated.
Gusty winds have also been forecast ahead of a cold front, with coastal areas set to experience gusts reaching 55 mph, and up to 45 mph in the valleys, creating hazardous conditions, especially near thunderstorms, "There remain timing differences with the eastward movement of the low pressure system as well as differences in the details of the low pressure system itself," the NWS acknowledged in a discussion emphasizing the uncertainty of the situation; the Area Forecast Discussion noted a significant threat of flooding in the upcoming week, though it admitted to "lower confidence in the details."
Snowfall isn't to be overlooked either, with predictions of heavy snow developing today in higher elevations, ranging from 2 to 24 inches depending on altitude. Such conditions are expected to disrupt traffic and pose dangers to wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. Moreover, a High Surf Advisory is in effect until Saturday for coastal parts of Orange and San Diego Counties, accompanied by possible lightning, as detailed by the San Diego office.
When it comes to air and marine travel, the meteorological adversity is clear, with "Gusty S-SE winds developing after 15z Thu with gusts of 25-35 kt, local gusts to 40 kt," and a Gale Warning issued for certain coastal waters through Thursday afternoon, "Iso +TSRA possible after 18z Thu. Gusty and erratic winds possible vcty TSRA," warned the NWS Forecast Office, noting the potential for thunderstorms to further complicate already challenging conditions. Airlines and vessels are heeding these forecast, adjusting schedules and routes to ensure safety amidst what is shaping up to be a turbulent week.
