Fast-Moving Storm To Bring Gusty Winds, Chance Of Showers To Encinitas

ENCINITAS, CA — A fast-moving storm will bring gusty winds, coastal flooding, high surf, scattered showers and possible mountain snow midweek to San Diego County.

Gusty west to northwest winds will strengthen Wednesday afternoon, with the strongest winds expected Wednesday night and early Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

A wind advisory will be in effect from midnight to 10 a.m. Thursday for the county's coastal areas and valleys, including Encinitas. West winds from 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected, according to the NWS.

A wind advisory will also be in effect from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 10 a.m. Thursday for the deserts, where west winds from 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are expected.

Forecasters warned that gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects and tree limbs could be blown down.

A high wind warning was issued for the county mountains and will be in effect from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 10 a.m. Thursday, according to the NWS. West winds from 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph are expected.

"The strongest gusts are expected along the desert slopes of the mountains of Riverside and
San Diego counties with the stronger gusts to 70 to 80 mph," the NWS wrote.

Scattered showers and possible mountain snow are also predicted for the region.

"Showers will spread southeastward across the area for late Wednesday into Thursday morning with the greatest coverage across San Diego County from the coast to the mountains," the NWS wrote.

Rainfall is expected to range from less than one-tenth of an inch near the coast, to one-quarter to one-half of an inch in the mountains, according to the NWS. The snow level will fall from 4,000 to 4,500 feet by early Thursday with a few inches of snowfall possible above 5,000 feet.

The quick-moving storm will also cause dangerous swimming and surfing conditions.

A high surf advisory will be in effect from 8 p.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. Thursday for the county's coastal areas, including Encinitas. The advisory was coupled with a coastal flood advisory that will be in effect from 4 a.m. to noon Thursday.

Large breaking waves of 5 to 7 feet are expected, with occasional sets of 8 to 11 feet, according to the NWS.

Forecasters advised inexperienced swimmers to stay out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. Weather officials said flooding is possible in parking lots, parks and roads. Isolated road closures are expected.