Tue Mar 11 05:40:00 UTC 2025: ## San Diego Braces for Multi-Day Storm, Heavy Rain, High Surf, and Mountain Snow
**San Diego, CA –** San Diego County is preparing for a significant weather system bringing heavy rain, high surf, strong winds, and mountain snow starting Tuesday and lasting through the weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood watch and winter weather watch in anticipation of the storm.
Rain is expected to begin early Tuesday, continuing intermittently until Saturday, with a brief respite on Wednesday. The heaviest rainfall is predicted for Thursday morning, with accumulations expected to reach 1 to 1.5 inches in the mountains, 0.5 to 0.75 inches in coastal and valley areas, and 0.1 to 0.5 inches in the deserts. Snow levels will initially be around 6,000-6,500 feet, lowering to 3,500-4,000 feet by Thursday afternoon.
Temperatures will be significantly cooler than recent averages, with highs in downtown San Diego in the lower 60s on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the upper 50s on Thursday and Friday. Mountain temperatures will be in the 40s.
A high-risk of rip currents is anticipated Tuesday, with surf reaching 4-6 feet, and sets up to 8 feet. Similar surf conditions are expected Thursday and Friday. A small craft advisory is in effect from 4 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday for coastal waters, extending 30-60 nautical miles offshore. Strong southwest to west winds with gusts exceeding 20 knots are likely Wednesday night through Friday, posing hazards to small craft. There’s a 60% chance of wind gusts reaching 34 knots Thursday evening further offshore.
A flood watch is in effect for the county’s coasts, valleys, and mountains from Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon. A winter weather watch is also in effect for the mountains from Thursday morning to Friday morning. While some showers may linger into Saturday, another weather system is possible early next week. Residents are urged to monitor weather forecasts and take necessary precautions.
First Piper 