Storms Bring Slick Roads, High Winds to North County

 The first of two Pacific storms expected to hit the region moved into the San Diego area early this morning which sent strong gusty winds across the mountains and deserts and drenched parts of North County, according to the National Weather Service.   At midmorning, Lindbergh Field and National City had .04 of an inch of rain and slightly more was reported at Sea World, according to unofficial rainfall totals. North County got even more rain, with more than two-tenths of an inch reported in Oceanside, Fallbrook and Vista and .31 of an inch reported at Camp Pendleton.

Forecasters predicted the showers will spread east across the county and may cause standing water in some areas, which could cause slick road conditions, according to the NWS, who urged drivers to slow down.

The rain is expected to taper off tonight. Temperatures in the area will range from the mid 50s to the mid 60s along the coast and further inland, according to the NWS.

Forecasters have also issued a high wind warning for the mountains and deserts to remain in effect until 10 p.m. Winds are expected to range from 20 to 40 miles per hour with gusts up to 65 miles per hour and isolated gusts of up to 80 miles per hour.

The high winds will make driving high-profile vehicles like trucks and motor homes difficult on mountain and desert roads today, especially on Interstate 15 and state Route 395, where blowing sand and dust may reduce visibility to less than a quarter-mile, according to the NWS.

The storm front will also churn up the surf, expected to peak Sunday morning, bringing with it 4 foot to 8 foot surf with sets up to 9 feet and dangerous riptides, according to the NWS.

Forecasters have issued a high surf advisory for San Diego beaches that will go into effect 5 a.m Sunday and run through 5 a.m. Monday.

The rain in the San Diego area is expected to taper off tonight and a second weaker storm front will begin to slide into the region late Sunday, expected to bring less rain before it clears out Monday afternoon.

— City News Service