Wind and snow: A look at wintry weather conditions in San Diego’s mountains

Amber Coakley
·2 min read
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SAND DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for San Diego County’s mountains as Friday morning saw blustery conditions.

The advisory began at 3:37 a.m. and will hold until 11 p.m. In the meantime, the National Weather Service expects snowfall amounts between 2-4 inches from 4,000 to 5,000 feet, while elevations above that may receive 4-8 inches. Snow is also possible below 3,000 feet.

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Accompanied by the white precipitation will be gusty winds, with the weather service predicting gusts as high as 70 mph in some areas. The weather service warned the wind could cause extensive tree damage.

This means travel could be difficult, which prompted some mountain area school districts to call off sessions for Friday.

According to the weather service, Palomar Mountain reported 4 inches of snow by 8 a.m. Friday.

FOX 5’s Elizabeth Alvarez was in Pine Valley around 8 a.m., reporting that emergency responders had already been called to an incident off of Sunrise Highway and the 8 freeway. This highway connects motorists up to Mount Laguna.

According to California Highway Patrol, a vehicle had crashed into a tree. CHP officials said that visibility in the area was very poor with almost whiteout conditions as snow and wind blew over the roadway. No serious injuries were reported.

A roadway in the Pine Valley area
A roadway in the Pine Valley area

FOX 5 saw snow plows working the roads Friday morning in an effort to keep them clear for those traveling on Sunrise Highway. Motorists are encouraged to bring chains in case they are needed, as well as to take extra precaution by slowing down and allowing extra time for travel.

According to local meteorologist, this cold low pressure system may even affect areas west of the mountains Friday, with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms on the forecast.

Looking ahead, the weekend is expected to be drier and little warmer across the region, though temperatures are still expected to be below average for inland areas Sunday.

FOX 5’s Elizabeth Alvarez contributed to this report.

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