Flooding, 55 MPH Winds Likely In Oceanside As Storm Hits Region

OCEANSIDE, CA — Oceanside residents woke up to rain Thursday as the first of two back-to-back winter storms reached the San Diego region.

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for all of San Diego County because the fast-moving storm is expected to bring heavy rain, gusty winds, heightened flood risks and mountain snow to Southern California. The flood watch will remain in place until 10 a.m. Friday.

"A fast-moving Pacific storm will bring strong gusty south winds this morning with widespread moderate to heavy precipitation into this afternoon with a slight chance of thunderstorms, then showery through tonight with decreasing showers for Friday and Friday night," NWS San Diego wrote Thursday morning.

Through Friday night, rainfall is expected to range from 1.5 to 2 inches near the coast, 2 to 3 inches in the mountains, and a quarter to a half-inch in the deserts, according to the NWS.

Forecasters warned that excessive runoff could result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone areas. Residents are encouraged to monitor later forecasts and be on alert for emergency notifications.

A high wind advisory will also remain in place until 2 p.m. Thursday for the county's coastal areas, including Oceanside. South winds between 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph are expected, according to the NWS.

Forecasters warned gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs and palm fronds could also be blown down.

"South winds and precipitation will intensify this morning with the strongest south
winds this morning ahead of the cold front," NWS San Diego wrote Thursday. "Winds for coastal areas could gust to 45 to 55 mph with the stronger gusts near higher coastal terrain. The stronger winds behind the front will be over the mountains and deserts for tonight and Friday."

A high surf advisory will also remain in place until 6 a.m. Saturday for the county's coastal areas, including Oceanside.

Large breaking waves of 6 to 10 feet are expected, according to the NWS. The surf will peak late Thursday into Friday before gradually lowering Friday night and Saturday.

Forecasters warned of dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion.

After a break in the rain Saturday, another storm is expected to arrive Sunday or Monday, according to the NWS.

"More precipitation from a slow-moving low pressure system off the California coast may develop later on Sunday into Monday with more widespread moderate to heavy precipitation centered some time around Tuesday," NWS San Diego wrote.

• Also see: Back-To-Back Storms To Bring Heavy Rain, Flood Threat To San Diego