how much rain is expected?

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A Pacific storm is on the way to Southern California, and officials with the National Weather Service say San Diego County should brace for periods of heavy rain, gusty winds and possible thunderstorms through the weekend.

Forecasters say a cooling trend will continue Thursday with gusty southwest winds in the mountains and deserts reaching up to 35 mph. Rain chances will increase overnight, with showers becoming heavy at times Friday afternoon through Saturday.

“The most widespread and heaviest rainfall is expected late Friday night into Saturday evening,” the NWS said in its latest forecast. There’s also a chance of thunderstorms from Friday night into Saturday evening. Scattered showers are expected to trickle into Sunday.

Anticipated rainfall amounts range from around 2.5 inches near the coast, 4 to 6 inches for the mountains with south facing slopes potentially exceeding 7 inches, and 1.5 to 2.5 inches for the deserts.

Here’s a look at forecast rainfall totals for the region Friday through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service:

(Credit: National Weather Service)

These totals, combined with bursts of heavier rainfall, could lead to urban and small stream flooding, significant ponding on roads and debris flows in burn scar areas, National Weather Service officials noted.

Forecasters say the San Diego River at Fashion Valley is expected to rise near “monitor stage” around 4 p.m. Saturday, which could lead to flooding of low-water crossings in the area. Local officials are urging residents to plan ahead for possible flooding by picking up free sandbags at locations throughout the county.

Additional periods of rain are likely into next week, though forecasters say confidence in the details remains low.

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