Winter Weather Advisory In Effect For Parts Of San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — Some San Diego area communities were under a winter weather advisory Thursday with heavy snow and windy conditions expected.

The advisory was from 4 a.m. Thursday until 10 a.m. Friday for the county's mountains, including the cities of Julian and Pine Valley, according to the National Weather Service.

Wet snow and up to 8 inches of snowfall was expected, mostly above 4,500 to 5,000 feet, according to the NWS. Strong winds were predicted, with gusts as high as 55 mph.

The NWS advised drivers to slow down and use caution while driving.

"Travel could be very difficult," forecasters warned. "The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage."

The San Diego County Office of Education announced that schools in Mountain Empire Unified School District were closed due to strong winds and hazardous road conditions. The district has schools in Boulevard, Campo, Descanso, Pine Valley and Potrero.

Due to inclement weather conditions, schools in Julian Union School District, Julian Union High School District and Spencer Valley School District closed early at noon.

Showers and thunderstorms were expected throughout the county starting Wednesday, with periods of gusty winds.

"It will be much cooler today with scattered showers today and more widespread showers for late this afternoon into this evening," NWS San Diego forecasters wrote Thursday. "Showers will decrease for late tonight and Friday. Dry and warmer for the weekend, then a pair of low pressure systems could bring additional precipitation next week for Monday into Tuesday and for Wednesday into Thursday."