Spring storm arrives with gusto

A spring storm packing a cold, wintry punch moved over the region today, bringing rain, winds and potential for widespread late-season mountain snowfall.

The arriving bands of dark clouds began generating scattered late-morning drizzles in the northern reaches of the county, according to the National Weather Service.

The brunt of the system was due to arrive by late afternoon, NWS meteorologist Mike Watkins said.

Rainfall totals are expected to reach from about a half-inch or less to more than two inches, while snowfall predictions range from one to four inches around the 4,000-foot level, three to six inches between 4,500 and 5,000 feet, and six to 10 inches above 5,000 feet.

Communities likely to get dustings or drifts of frozen white flakes included Cuyamaca, Julian, Mount Laguna, Pine Hills, Pine Valley, Ranchita, Santa Ysabel, Warner Springs, Boulevard, Cameron, Lake Henshaw, Oak Grove, Morena Village, Campo, and Descanso, according to forecasters.

In the East County deserts, winds up to 35 mph and gusts reaching 60 mph are expected through late Saturday morning.

The storm also is expected to create heavy seas and potential for ocean waterspouts, prompting the weather service to issue a small-craft advisory through Saturday evening.