Final Storm System Passes Through San Diego County

Gusty winds, heavy rain, and snow expected to diminish by Friday morning

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A third and final storm system is moving through San Diego County, bringing gusty winds, heavy rain, and snow to the region. The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory and warns of potentially unsafe driving conditions in the mountains due to the combination of wind and heavy snow. Some areas have already seen over 5 inches of rain over the past 72 hours, leading to localized flooding concerns. However, the weather is expected to improve by the weekend, with warmer and drier conditions returning.

Why it matters

This latest storm system is the third to hit the region in recent days, underscoring the ongoing pattern of unsettled weather that has brought significant precipitation to San Diego County. While the storms have caused some disruptions, they have also provided much-needed moisture to an area that has faced persistent drought conditions.

The details

The National Weather Service's San Diego office has warned of gusty and potentially damaging west winds along the mountain crests and adjacent desert slopes, with a wind advisory in effect until at least 2 a.m. Friday. The combination of wind and heavy snow is expected to make driving in the mountains unsafe, and there is also a slight chance of thunderstorms in coastal areas and western valleys. Some areas have already seen over 5 inches of rain, leading to localized flooding concerns.

  • The storm system is expected to pass through the region on Thursday, with rain and gusty winds diminishing into Friday morning.
  • As of midweek, the storm system had already dropped significant precipitation across the county, with some areas seeing over 5 inches of rain in a 72-hour span ending on Wednesday.

The players

National Weather Service

The National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts, and warnings for the United States.

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What they’re saying

“The combination of wind and heavy snow will make driving (Thursday) afternoon and evening in the mountains an unsafe adventure better left undone.”

— NWS San Diego (timesofsandiego.com)

What’s next

The weather is expected to improve by the weekend, with warmer and drier conditions returning to the region.

The takeaway

This latest storm system is a continuation of the unsettled weather pattern that has brought significant precipitation to San Diego County, providing much-needed moisture but also causing some disruptions. The improved conditions expected by the weekend will be a welcome relief for residents.