San Diegans prepping for holiday festivities might want to trade their sleds for umbrellas as an incoming storm threatens to dampen Christmas spirits. According to NWS San Diego, light showers developing on Tuesday will progress into heavy rain throughout Wednesday and Christmas Day, increasing the risk of flooding and debris flow in the region. Those who plan to travel for the holidays should remain vigilant, as both road and air travel are expected to be substantially impacted.
With meteorologists forecasting rain totals in excess of 3 inches in areas west of the mountains, and lower chances closer to San Diego proper, not even a reindeer-driven sleigh may be spared from nature's onslaught. Gusty south winds are also expected to pick up by Tuesday night, potentially reaching up to 50 mph along the desert slopes and foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, as stated in the NWS San Diego report. Coastal areas will not be spared, with gusts of 35 mph or more likely. Travelers hoping to deck the halls may face the challenge of securing outdoor holiday decorations and contending with possible tree damage.
Those dreaming of a white Christmas may be disappointed unless they're above 8000 feet, where mountain snow is expected. The Area Forecast Discussion from NWS San Diego suggests that snow levels will remain high through Christmas, increasing the potential for rock and mudslides along mountain highways, and debris flows in burn scar areas. Opportunities for a festive snowy landscape will be limited to the higher peaks, and even then, not until Thursday evening.
The following days may bring sporadic showers with a seven-day outlook indicating a 70% chance of additional rainfall on Friday, diminishing to around 15-20% by Sunday. While Friday seems poised to offer a respite to parched lands, the holiday weekend holds uncertainty, with a mixture of dry spells and potential showers. Looking ahead, the exact evolution of the weather pattern remains unclear, but the balance tips towards less precipitation with warmer snow levels. Still, should the snow levels drop sufficiently, travelers could face treacherous conditions in the mountains.
Given the forecasted heavy rainfall and gusty winds, mariners should exercise particular caution from Tuesday evening through Wednesday. The NWS San Diego warns of strengthening south winds and rough seas reaching up to 10 feet with gusts of 30-35 knots, potentially creating hazardous conditions out on the water.
For those living along the San Diego River, caution is advised, as the river is expected to hit action or monitor stage by Wednesday night. The forecast, which extends only through early Thursday, suggests the river might peak at around 7.8 feet. However, there's still a 27% chance the river could exceed minor flood stage.
