San Diego is bracing for some serious rainfall this Christmas Eve, according to the National Weather Service. San Diegans can expect "widespread moderate to heavy rainfall" with the potential for roadway flooding and localized flash flooding across coastal to desert areas. The NWS San Diego warns that an atmospheric river is set to soak Southern California, with rain totals of 0.5-2 inches anticipated in the lower deserts and a staggering 6-12 inches in the San Bernardino County Mountains, according to their forecast.
The weather onslaught will commence with lighter rain beginning on Tuesday, ahead of a low-pressure system off the California coast, reported the National Weather Service San Diego. Residents should prepare for "gusty south winds" as well, with gusts reaching up to 70 mph in mountain areas. The chance of the San Diego River reaching minor flood stage sits at 27 percent, posing an additional concern for the safety of nearby communities.
In terms of temperature, coastal areas will see highs between 63 to 69 degrees, while the inland valleys will warm up a tad more, hitting highs between 69 to 75 degrees. Even with the impending storm, the NWS isn't letting up on its vigilance. Additionally, visibility may be compromised due to heavy rain and fog, necessitating extra caution for travelers venturing out.
Marine conditions are also set to turn treacherous starting Tuesday afternoon, with a Gale Watch in effect through Wednesday afternoon due to potential gusts upwards of 30-35 knots. This will prompt steep seas between 7-10 feet, according to the NWS San Diego's marine forecast. Hikers and those living in burn scar areas must be particularly vigilant of rock and mudslides, especially in the San Bernardino County mountains. The NWS advises securing outdoor furniture in anticipation of the gusty winds, and notes that "tree damage is possible."
As the week progresses, snow levels, currently above 9000 feet, are expected to plummet to around 5000 feet by early Saturday, potentially impacting mountain highway conditions. San Diego’s 7-day forecast from NWS paints a soggy outlook for the holiday, with rain predicted through Friday and chances of showers lingering into the weekend.
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