Cold front will bring heavy downpours, snow at 4,500 feet, forecasters report

Monday, Dec. 17—

Light rain fell around San Diego County early today, with heavier downpours likely tonight through Tuesday because of a strong cold front, forecasters said.

“A cold front will sweep through the area with moderate to locally heavy rain and mountain snow,” according to a National Weather Service advisory.

Rainfall totals were expected to be up to three-quarters of an inch at lower elevations, and up to an inch-and-a-half in the mountains. The snow level will fall to around 4,500 feet during the day Tuesday, with two to six inches of snow possible above 5,000 feet, according to the Weather Service.

Afternoon temperatures today were expected to be in the low 60s in coastal areas and in the western valleys, high 50s near the foothills, 50s in the mountains and high 60s in the deserts.

Tuesday’s highs were expected to be mainly in the 50s at lower elevations, 30s and 40s in the mountains and in the 60s in the deserts. Also on tap: strong winds.

“Strong and gusty southwest to west winds are expected on Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday night over the coastal waters, in the mountains and

in the deserts,” reports the weather service. “The combination of slippery roads, limited visibility and strong, gusty winds will make travel in

the mountains hazardous. Hikers and campers in the mountains should be prepared for winter

weather.”

Sustained winds throughout the region Tuesday were expected to be 30 to 40 miles per hour, with gusts up to 55 mph in the mountains and deserts, and 30

to 35 mph gusts possible in coastal and valley areas.