SoCal residents are bracing for a deluge, as the National Weather Service in San Diego warns of ongoing heavy rainfall and potential flooding conditions across the region. According to their latest update, a stubborn low pressure system is bringing a heavier drench, particularly to Orange and southwestern San Bernardino Counties. Showers are expected to intensify again as the system moves inland, stretching down to San Diego County late this evening, complete with the threat of thunderstorms.
Forecasters are painting a wet picture, with additional rainfall possibly reaching up to 4 inches in mountainous areas. "Additional rainfall into Wednesday for Orange and southwestern San Bernardino Counties is expected to range from around 1.5 inches near the coast to 2 to 3 inches in the mountains, with local amounts to around 4 inches," according to a statement from NWS San Diego. San Diego County isn't being spared either, as the coastal regions anticipate up to 1.5 inches of rain, with mountains potentially seeing double that amount. And it's not just rain — a chill is coming, too, and snow levels are dropping, meaning significant snowfall of 1 to 2 feet on peaks above 8000 feet is on the cards for winter sports enthusiasts. But for those below 6500 feet, only a few inches are likely to settle.
Surfers should pay heed, as high surf advisories remain in effect through Tuesday night, with potent breaker sets reaching up to 12 feet at SoCal beaches. "High surf continues through Tuesday night at the SoCal Beaches, where breaking wave sets up to 10-12 feet will occur," warned the NWS. Beachgoers are urged to respect the force of the ocean and the power of these swells.
A Flood Watch has been hoisted into Wednesday morning for multiple areas, including the coast and San Diego County mountains, signaling a significant threat for much of San Diego County for late tonight into Wednesday morning. "The Flood Watch continues into Wednesday morning for the coast to the mountains with the greater threat for much of San Diego County for late tonight into Wednesday morning," reported the NWS Forecast discussion. The San Diego River is forecast to crest early Wednesday, potentially causing issues at low-water crossings.
Aviation is not immune to the weather's wrath, with multiple cloud layers and reduced visibility. Travelers can expect periods of rain affecting flight operations through Wednesday afternoon, alongside a slight chance of lightning strikes. The marine environment too, is churning under southerly gusts and swelling waves, prompting a Small Craft Advisory until Wednesday morning. As the low pressure system winds down and moves on, attention will already be shifting toward the weekend when a new system could bring another round of rain to the region.
