SD Could Get Up To 4 Inches Of Rain In Christmas Eve Storm

SAN DIEGO, CA — It will be a wet and wintry Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for San Diego County, according to weather officials.

An atmospheric river — dubbed a Pineapple Express during the wintertime — will dump moderate to heavy rain across Southern California Tuesday through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

In San Diego County, residents can expect up to four inches of rain and 40 mph winds on Christmas Eve — expected to be the heaviest day of the storm.

As the rain begins Tuesday, a flood watch will take effect from late that night through late Wednesday evening as weather officials are bracing for excessive rainfall throughout the county's coastal areas, deserts, mountains and valleys.

The service said Monday that excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

"You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings," the NWS warned. "Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop."

For the mountains and deserts, the heaviest and most widespread rain is expected late Wednesday morning through the evening. Peak rainfall rates of a half inch to 1 one inch per hour are expected that day, the weather service said.

"Scattered locally heavy showers could continue into Thursday but impacts from any additional rain are expected to be more localized," the NWS said.

Meanwhile, snow levels are expected to stay above 8,000 feet into Christmas morning, which could increase the chance for rock and mudslides along highways. In areas scarred by recent fires, debris flow and mudslides are possible, officials said.

Residents are urged to prepare for potential flooding by securing their homes. They can do so by filling sandbags to place in vulnerable areas.

In the city of San Diego, sandbags can be picked up at the following places:

• Council District 1 - Pacific Beach Recreation Center, 1405 Diamond St.
• Council District 2 (inland) - North Clairemont Recreation Center, 4421 Bannock Ave.
• Council District 2 (coastal) - Robb Field Athletic Area, 2525 Bacon St.
• Council District 3 - Golden Hill Recreation Center, 2600 Golf Course Drive.
• Council District 4 - Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 6401 Skyline Drive.
• Council District 5 - Scripps Ranch Community Recreation Center, 11454 Blue Cypress Drive.
• Council District 6 - Standley Recreation Center, 3585 Governor Drive.
• Council District 7 - Allied Gardens Recreation Center, 5155 Greenbrier Ave.
• Council District 8 – Southcrest Recreation Center, 4149 Newton Ave.
• Council District 8 - Silver Wing Recreation Center, 3737 Arey Drive.
• Council District 9 - City Heights Recreation Swim and Tennis Center, 4380 Landis St.

For more information, visit this link.

Across much of San Diego County, sandbags can be found at local fire stations and municipal centers. Check your city's website to find pickup locations.

The National Weather Service said another storm system appears to be developing in the Pacific Northwest and could track into Southern California shortly after Christmas, though its timing and strength remain uncertain.