Frigid winter storm drenches area for second day, more frost and mountain snow

SAN DIEGO - A frigid winter storm drenched and frosted the San Diego area for a second day today, delivering more heavy rain and mountain snow before moving out of the area in the late morning.

The blustery atmospheric system, which moved in Monday, brought more than an inch of rain to some inland communities and at least a foot of frozen white flakes to some of the county's highest elevations, according to the National Weather Service.

By noon, the eastward-departing clouds had dropped 1.14 inches of precipitation in Escondido; 1.1 at Mount Woodson; 1.02 in Vista; 1 inch in Alpine; 0.98 in Valley Center; 0.93 in Ramona; 0.84 in Rancho Bernardo; 0.81 in Carlsbad; 0.77 in Potrero; 0.76 in Poway; 0.75 in San Marcos; and 0.7 at Montgomery Field airport in Kearny Mesa.

Other two-day totals include 0.69 of an inch in Oceanside; 0.68 in Fallbrook; 0.6 in Santee; 0.56 at Mount Laguna and in Rancho San Diego; 0.53 at Brown Field airport in Otay Mesa and in Santa Ysabel; 0.52 in San Felipe; 0.48 in Oak Grove; 0.47 in Campo; 0.42 in Chula Vista; 0.39 in La Mesa; 0.38 at Lindbergh Field; 0.3 in National City; 0.12 in Agua Caliente; 0.04 in Ocotillo Wells; and 0.03 in Borrego Springs.

Overnight, the snow level dropped to 2,000 feet or lower, according to the weather service.

''I don't know how much fell there,'' NWS meteorologist Jamie Moker said. ''Probably not much.''

The storm also pelted some areas with up to a half-inch of hail and generated scattered lightning.

Tonight should bring clearing skies across the region and temperatures low enough to create patchy frost in the inland valleys, according forecasters.

On Wednesday and Thursday, increasing clouds may generate a few light showers, after which high pressure and warmer weather is expected to make an appearance Friday and remain for the weekend.

Cold storm douses region with rain, hail, snow

SAN DIEGO - A chilly winter storm brought downpours, stiff winds, scattered hail and mountain snowfall to the San Diego area today.

The blustery atmospheric system delivered moisture amounts ranging from mere traces to more than four-tenths of an inch across San Diego County over the day, according to the National Weather Service.

As of 5 p.m., the dark cloud banks had dropped 0.43 of an inch of precipitation in Rancho Bernardo; 0.38 at Montgomery Field airport in Kearny Mesa; 0.37 in Bonsall; 0.36 in Rainbow, near the Riverside County line; 0.32 in Fallbrook and Oceanside; 0.3 at Lindbergh Field in San Diego; 0.26 at Lake Henshaw; 0.25 in western Mission Valley; 0.21 at Brown Field in Otay Mesa; 0.2 in Carlsbad; 0.16 in Poway; 0.15 in Ramona and the Granite Hills neighborhood of El Cajon; 0.14 in Escondido; 0.12 in La Mesa; 0.11 in Bonita; 0.07 in Julian; and 0.04 in Descanso, Rincon Springs, Santa Ysabel and the Lake Wohlford area.

By early afternoon, light snow was falling in sections of the East County highlands, and small hail had pelted several locales, the NWS reported.

A winter storm warning for areas above 3,500 feet was in effect through 3 a.m. Tuesday. Overnight, the snow level was expected to drop to 2,500 feet or possibly lower in spots, with some locations above 4,500 feet possibly getting fresh drifts up to 18 inches deep. Desert communities also could see some flurries of frozen white flakes, meteorologists said.

The rains are likely to be over with in San Diego County by late Tuesday morning, making way for a cool, partly cloudy afternoon, the weather service predicted.

A deepening marine layer could create some scattered drizzle or light rain Wednesday night, forecasters said. By the end of the week, a high-pressure system should bring mostly clear skies and warmer days to the region, the National Weather Service reported.

Winter Storm Warning issued for snow showers, gusts to 60 mph, dangerous travel

SAN DIEGO -RIVERSIDE- The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued a Winter Storm Warning, which will remain in effect from 6 am Monday to 3 am Tuesday above 3500 feet for the San Diego mountains and Riverside County mountains.

Snow levels expected to reach 3500 to 4000 feet early Monday, fall to 3500 feet Monday and 2500 feet Monday night.

Snow accumulations: 2 to 6 inches above 3500 feet with up to a foot of new snow above 4500 feet. Isolated greater amounts are possible on the highest elevations.

Timing: snow showers increasing Monday, with greatest coverage and amounts Monday afternoon and evening. Snow showers will decrease late Monday night and on Tuesday.

Locations include: Descanso, Julian, Mount Laguna, Pine Valley, Ranchita, Anza, Garner Valley, Idyllwild, Mountain Center, Pine Cove, Pinion Pines and Vista Grande

Winds: southwest to west 25 to 35 mph with local gusts to 60 mph over the ridges.

Visibility: reduced to near zero at times in fog, snow, and blowing snow.

Impacts: residents and travelers into higher elevations in the mountains should be prepared for hazardous driving conditions due to slick roads and reduced visibility. If possible-carry chains and take extra food and clothing. This weather could be deadly for unprepared campers or hikers.

Precautionary/preparedness actions: A winter storm warning for heavy snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.