Snow in the Mountains; Second Storm Due to Hit Wednesday

A cold Pacific storm generated occasionally heavy precipitation in San Diego County for the second day Tuesday, adding more snow in the mountains and saturating local roadways.

Two cold winter storms are expected in the region this week, according to the National Weather Service. The first arrived late Monday morning, beginning with scattered light showers that continued off and on and increased in intensity overnight.

As of 6:30 a.m., the NWS reported that the first storm had dropped 0.41 inches of rain in Vista; 0.27 at MCAS Miramar; 0.26 at San Diego Lindbergh Field; 0.44 in Chula Vista; 0.51 in Escondido and Rancho Bernardo; 0.83 on Mount Woodson; 0.53 in Ramona; 0.23 in La Mesa; 0.6 in Rancho San Diego; 0.7 in Alpine; 0.25 on Palomar Mountain; 0.45 in Santa Ysabel; and 0.37 in Campo.

Four to five inches of snow accumulated at the base of Sunrise Highway, according to the California Highway Patrol.

A break in the wet weather is likely to start about midday Tuesday, according to the NWS forecast.

The second cold winter storm expected this week will arrive Wednesday and likely last through late Thursday morning, according to the NWS.

Local snow levels fell to between 4,000 and 4,500 Monday night and early Tuesday.

A winter weather advisory was extended until 10 a.m. above 4,000 feet, where 2 to 5 inches of snow was predicted, along with 60 mile-per-hour wind gusts. Locations included in the advisory were Cuyamaca, Mount Laguna and Ranchita.

"Residents and travelers to the mountains should be prepared for hazardous winter weather and possible road closures," the Weather Service warned. "Carry chains and take extra food, water and clothing."

Off the coast of San Diego County Tuesday, small craft and high surf advisories are in effect until 10 a.m. According to the Weather Service, there are 6- to 8-foot waves, with occasionally higher sets.

"Inexperienced swimmers and surfers should stay out of the water," according to the agency.

--City News Service