Showers Expected in Santee Thursday, Snow in Mountains

A cold low pressure system moving in from the northwest is predicted to bring showers to Santee and periods of snow and gusty winds to the San Diego County mountains on Thursday, meteorologists said Wednesday.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for the mountains from 7 a.m. Thursday to 1 a.m. Friday, saying snow showers could begin as early as late Thursday night before tapering off Thursday night. The chance of rain in Santee is pegged at 70 percent on Thursday.

Santee Forecast (NWS)

• Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 4am. Cloudy, with a low around 45. Southeast wind around 10 mph.
• ThursdayShowers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 55. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
• Thursday NightShowers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

By Thursday morning, snow levels will have dropped to between 3,500 and 4,000 feet, the agency said in its advisory.

A winter weather advisory means that periods of snow will make travel difficult. Motorists were cautioned to be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibility on Thursday.

The NWS said there would be a general dusting from 3,500 to 4,000 feet, up to four inches of snow accumulation from 4,000 to 6,000 feet and up to five inches above 6,000 feet.

Also, the agency scheduled a wind advisory for the mountains and deserts from 10 p.m. tonight to 7 p.m. Thursday. A wind advisory is issued whenever winds of 35 miles per hour or more are expected.

The agency said there would be sustained southwest to west winds of 20 to 30 mph, with widespread gusts up to 50 mph, in the mountains Thursday. Isolated gusts up to 60 to 65 mph were also possible near mountain ridge tops and on desert slopes, according to the NWS.

"Winds will make driving difficult, especially for motorists with high profile vehicles," an NWS advisory said. "Watch for downed trees and other debris."

-City News Service