Weather officials announced concerns that Hurricane Kay may trigger widespread wind damage and flooding as it approaches California, and parts of Arizona.
Light showers fell on parts of San Diego County Thursday as thick gloomy clouds hovered the region hinting at the arrival of rain and strong winds. Hurricane Kay continues to move through the Baja California peninsula.
Thunderstorms are likely to occur Thursday night.
Forecasters said that Kay will be weakening below hurricane strength and will become more of a tropical storm as it moves north of the Baja Coast by Friday. According to the National Weather Service, it would move west and lose its tropical characteristics, but it could circulate back south and maybe even in the east over the weekend and early next week.
Kay may bring heavy rain, especially from the mountain areas and in the lower deserts of the region, with areas of high winds. According to NWS’s most recent report, heavier rains will move South to North Friday and could bring 2-4 inches of rain in the mountains and into some areas of the desert.
Winds in the region could reach 53 mph in San Diego, 62 mph in Oceanside, 67 mph in Escondido, and 81 mph near Alpine. The county issued a high wind warning to go into effect at 6 a.m. Friday.
In anticipation of flooding, the county and Cal Fire will provide free bags and/or sand at several fire stations to residents of unincorporated areas.
