HAZARDOUS WEATHER WATCH ISSUED: SERIES OF STORMS TO BRING HEAVY RAINS, SNOW, HIGH WINDS & FLOODING

January 17, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather watch for southwestern California due to a series of storms slated to strike our region starting Monday.

The powerful storms are predicted to dump 15 to 25 inches of rain and snow in mountain areas and bring wind gusts of up to 60 mph in some inland areas. Later in the week, flash flooding and dangerous mud flows may occur, particularly in recently burned and low-lying areas.

The first storm is expected to arrive Monday, bringing potentially heavy rains by Monday evening and snow to resort areas above 7,000 feet. Tuesday through Friday will bring more winter weather, dropping snow to as low as 5,500 feet.
 

Strength of the jet stream driving these storms is over 200 mph, so the storms will move onshore in rapid succession, NWS reports. These conditions could produce “gale force or higher winds” over coastal waters, where a small craft advisory has been issued and dangerous rip currents are forecast. Inland, wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph are forecast.
 

Rockslides are possible along some mountain highways, with mud and debris flow risk increasing as the week progresses. Streams may overflow and normally dry washes will likely be flowing.
As soil becomes saturated, the NWS warns, “Recently burned areas will become susceptible to dangerous…life-threatening debris flows. Persons living in and close to recently burned areas or in low-lying areas subject to river and stream flooding should stay tuned for later forecasts and warnings.”

Cal-Fire has issued a no-burn proclamation due to the high winds forecast. 

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For the lastest weather forecasts from the National Weather Service San Diego office, visit http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sgx/.