Carlsbad High Surf Expected, Heavy Rain Arrives New Year's Week

CARLSBAD, CA — A Pacific storm system made landfall Monday in San Diego County with at times heavy rain and mountain snow. A building west swell at county beaches raised surf Sunday, with widespread elevated surf conditions and a few sets to 7 feet. The surf increased on Monday, peaking between Monday afternoon and Tuesday, with sets to 8 feet. In southern San Diego County, sets might reach 9 to 10 feet Monday and Tuesday.

A chance of thunderstorms with lightning is possible at San Diego beaches on Monday.

San Diego mountains were under a winter storm warning from 8 a.m. Monday to 4 a.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service reports.

Along the coast, a high surf advisory will remain in effect until 10 a.m. Wednesday. A small craft advisory will be in effect from 3 a.m. Monday to noon Tuesday for county coastal waters.

High temperatures along the coast Sunday were expected to be around 63 degrees with overnight lows of 45-50, with a chance of rain, the NWS said. Valley highs will be 62-67 with overnight lows of 40-47 and a 50% chance of rain.

Mountain highs were expected to be 56-62, with overnight lows of 31-38 and a 50% chance of rain and snow. The snow level was expected to be at 5,000 feet. Highs in the deserts will be 67-72 with overnight lows of 40-50 and a 20% chance of rain with 30-35 mph wind gusts.

Heavy rain arrived early, with Monday's rain showers expected to be heavy at times. The San Diego mountains should expect snowfall through Monday night. Drivers should anticipate difficult travel conditions, forecasters said. Rainfall rates could get up to around 0.40 inches per hour.

"The storm will move east on Tuesday, followed by gusty, dry, northerly winds Wednesday," the NWS said. "Temperatures will mostly be below normal until around the New Year."

Winds will turn briefly back onshore around Thursday before turning back offshore New Year's Day when Santa Ana conditions will be possible, the NWS said. Temperatures should increase a bit starting Friday.

City News Service, Patch Editor Ashley Ludwig contributed to this report.