Weekend Storm Could Pack a Wallop: Are You In a Danger Zone?

Heavy rain, gusty winds and mountain snow are in store for San Diego County this weekend as a late season Pacific storm arrives Saturday morning, forecasters said Friday.

How will you know if you’re in a danger zone, or heading into one?

Check this National Weather Service map for San Diego County. It conveys real-time watches, warnings and advisories.

Rainfall totals will range from 1 to 2 inches near the coast and from 3 to 5 inches in the mountains, according to the National Weather Service. Up to a half-inch of rain is expected in the deserts.

A chance of thunderstorms with small hail late Saturday afternoon and evening also is expected, according to the weather service.

The storm is expected to drop 6 to 12 inches of snow above 4,000 feet, with greater amounts possible at higher elevations. The heaviest snow showers will occur during the afternoon and evening hours, with the snow level possibly lowering to between 2,500 and 3,000 feet Saturday night, according to the weather service.

A winter storm warning is scheduled from 11 a.m. Saturday to 5 p.m. Sunday for mountain areas above 4,000 feet, including Cuyamaca, Julian and Mount Laguna.

The storm is expected to bring 25 to 35 mph mountain and desert winds, with gusts of up to 65 mph near ridge tops and along desert mountain slopes. Isolated gusts up to 75 miles per hour are also possible, forecasters said.

A high wind warning for the mountains and deserts is scheduled from 8 a.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Sunday. A less severe wind advisory will be in effect in coastal and valley areas from 11 a.m. Saturday to 5 p.m. Sunday, when 40 mph gusts are expected.

Gusty winds could make driving difficult throughout the county, especially for motorists with high-profile vehicles. The Weather Service advised motorists to watch out for broken tree limbs and downed power lines.

High surf with sets of up to five feet are expected this weekend, when the risk of rip currents will be high, according to the NWS, and waterspouts are possible near the coast.

A gale watch for boaters is scheduled from Saturday morning through late Sunday night. By Saturday afternoon, according to the weather service, there will be strong west winds of up to 30 knots, with frequent gusts to 40 knots.

“The strong winds will also generate steep short-period wind waves that will cause very hazardous boating conditions,” according to a weather service advisory.

—City News Service contributed to this report.