WINTER STORM WARNING ISSUED FOR MONDAY AND TUESDAY: HEAVY SNOWFALL FORECAST

By Miriam Raftery

December 11, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning. A Pacific storm is forecast to bring cold temperatures, rain and heavy snowfall to our region Monday and Tuesday.

Snow levels will fall to around 4,000 feet, but could drop as low as 3,000 feet in East County's mountainsy. Above 5,000 feet, accumulations of 10 to 16 inches of snow are possible, with the heaviest snowfall forecast for Mount Laguna.

But don't grab the sleds and head for the hills just yet.  Travel in the mountain areas will likely be “dangerous” through Tuesday, according to the Naitonal Weather Service. If you must travel in the mountains, carry tire chains along with extra food, water, a flash light and warm clothing in case of emergency. 

West of the mountains, a half inch to an inch of rain is forecast. Thunderstorms and hail are also possible.  In the deserts, minimal rainfall (under a quarter inch) is predicted.