Wind, rain, snow expected to arrive Tuesday

SAN DIEGO - Clouds and a chance of light rain were possible tonight in advance of a cold front expected to sweep into San Diego County Tuesday, bringing more wind, rain and snow, the National Weather Service reported.

Rain showers were expected to break out ahead of the low pressure trough and cold front and increase in coverage as the front sweeps through the area Tuesday afternoon, the NWS said.

Forecasters said the winter weather could cause slick roads and reduced visibility due to fog. Rain and falling snow could make mountain travel difficult.

''Motorists should be alert to possible debris on on roadways,'' the NWS statement said. ''Brief heavy rain may cause minor flooding on roadways, low- lying intersections and other poorly drained areas.''

Light to moderate rainfall was expected along and west of the mountains. A quarter to three-quarters of an inch were could fall at lower elevations and three-quarters of an inch to one-and-a-half inches on mountain slopes, according to the NWS.

Strong winds of between 15 and 25 miles per hour with gusts of up to 50 mph over ridge tops and along desert slopes could also impact the region Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night.

''Strong wind gusts at lower elevations west of the mountains Tuesday evening may break loose or dying tree branches and palm fronds loose and cause unsecured lawn and patio items to become airborne and damaged,'' according to the NWS statement.

Near gale force winds over coastal waters could be possible Tuesday evening that could lead to hazardous conditions for small craft, but should diminish Wednesday, forecasters said.

NWS forecasters said temperatures could lower into the teens and 20s in the mountains, the 20s and 30s in the deserts, and the high 30s into the 40s west of the mountains Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

The snow level was expected to fall to around 5,000 to 5,500 feet Thursday and to 3,500 to 4,000 feet Thursday night, which could allow for some snow to accumulate at high elevations. Up to six inches of snowfall could be possible in elevations higher than 5,000 feet, the NWS said.