San Diego is stuck under a soggy, breezy setup this afternoon, with mostly cloudy skies over Lindbergh Field and temperatures lingering in the low 50s. Showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected to roll through off and on through Tuesday evening, with a high near 61°F before the rain fills in and turns steadier and heavier late tonight into Wednesday. West to southwest winds are on track to ramp up this evening, making commutes gustier and churning up dangerous shorebreak. Here is when the worst of the wind and rain should hit, and what to know before it does.
Tonight Into Wednesday: Heaviest Rain and Gusts
Late tonight into Wednesday morning, a second, wetter band is expected to sweep through, bringing the broadest coverage of rain and the peak winds, with coastal and valley gusts potentially reaching 40 to 45 mph in spots. A Wind Advisory is in effect from 8 p.m. Tuesday to 8 a.m. Wednesday, and mariners are being told to brace for gale-force conditions offshore, according to the National Weather Service San Diego.
Coast And Beaches: High Surf And Rip Currents
Large breaking waves and a high rip-current risk will hammer west-facing beaches through Friday, with surf running 4 to 9 feet and occasional sets up to 11 feet, highest on Wednesday. Lifeguards and beach crews are urging people to stay off jetties and away from the waterline, and officials have sandbags available at selected locations. As reported by NBC 7 San Diego, rising seas and ongoing erosion are the main worries along the shoreline.
Mountains And Mission Valley: Snow And Rising Rivers
The mountains are in line for the heaviest precipitation: forecasters expect roughly 6 to 12 inches of snow from 5,000 to 6,000 feet and 12 to 18 inches between 6,000 and 7,000 feet, with locally higher totals above 8,000 feet. Snow levels should drop to around 3,500 to 4,500 feet on Wednesday, which could briefly affect mountain passes and Interstate 8. The San Diego River at Fashion Valley has already crested once, and forecasters say another crest around noon Wednesday could push water into low-water crossings in Mission Valley and increase the risk of street flooding, according to the National Weather Service San Diego.
What To Do
Give yourself extra time on the roads, tie down or bring in patio furniture and outdoor gear, and never drive through flooded streets, "turn around, don’t drown." Expect some flight delays at SAN and scattered power outages in gusty neighborhoods, and check airline and utility alerts before heading out. For sandbag locations and local preparation resources see NBC 7 San Diego, and for background on the incoming system see our brief sun break forecast.
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