Widespread rain, thunderstorms, snow forecast for San Diego County

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A strong Pacific storm and atmospheric river is expected to sweep the region over the weekend, said the National Weather Service.

The weather could damper weekend plans as well as Easter celebrations.

A low pressure system has been moving southward from the Northern California coast, with local meteorologists expecting it to sweep inland across Northern Baja and Southern California.

Temperatures are expected to be cooler Saturday, even more so in the mountains and high desert where gusty southwest winds are also anticipated, said NWS. Stronger gusts along the desert slopes could reach up to 45-55 mph.

Precipitation is expected to be widespread and heavy in some areas Saturday morning, according to local meteorologists. Those showers will continue and become more scattered with a chance of isolated thunderstorms for late Saturday into Sunday, said NWS.

Areas like Oceanside, Palomar and Julian are forecast to receive the most rain. Here's a look at likely precipitation amounts through late Sunday night:

-- Coast/Valleys: 1.5-2.5 inches, local amounts up to 3 inches possible

-- Mountains: 1.5-4 inches, local amounts to 5 inches possible

-- High Desert: 0.25-0.75 inch

-- Lower Deserts: 0.10-0.50 inch

Snowfall is also likely in San Diego County's mountain areas. NWS issued a Winter Weather Advisory that will go into effect Saturday morning through Sunday evening, said NWS. There could be snowfall of 1-3 inches from 5,000-5,500 feet and 3-6 inches above 5,500 feet.

More strong and gusty winds are also expected Saturday, with a Wind Advisory also in effect for the region's coastal areas and valleys from Friday morning to Saturday afternoon. The deserts are also under a Wind Advisory until 11 a.m.

To add to the list, a High Surf Advisory has also been issued for the region's coastal areas from Saturday morning until 4 p.m. Sunday.

Looking ahead, showers may linger into Monday with warmer and drier weather expected come Tuesday and Wednesday, according to NWS. Then, another storm system is expected to approach late next week.