A significant, low elevation snowstorm struck San Diego County when an inside slider over southern Nevada quickly and suddenly transitioned into an outside slider over the Southern California bight. As the main 500 mb low pressure center passed through Nevada, an upstream vort max moved out of Northern California and into the Southern California coastal waters, causing a stronger, secondary 500 mb low pressure center to develop near San Diego. This system was then able to pick up additional moisture as it began to take an over-water trajectory and intensify. The heaviest precipitation was confined to San Diego County where low-level cyclogensis and upper level forcing were strongest. Evaporative cooling and cold air advection caused the temperature to drop steadily throughout the day, and the snow level fell from 5500 feet around sunrise to near 1000 feet by mid day. Only a dusting of snow had been reported through noon, but by 1:00 pm, heavy snow was was falling and sticking across a wide area from Ramona to the Anza Borrego Desert. Thundersnow and blizzard-like conditions in the inland valleys and mountains of San Diego County stranded more than 500 hundred vehicles on local roadways and forced the closure of Highway 78, Highway 76, and Interstate 8. Countless vehicles were left abandoned along the sides of roads after tow truck operaters became overwhelmed with calls. An estimated 300 motorists and evacuees sought shelter at the Golden Acorn Casino in Campo and another 100 were taken to the Pine Valley fire station. By 6:00 pm, most of the precipitation had ended. In less than six hours, at least 8 inches of snow had fallen in the mountains and hundreds had been left stranded.

Winter Storm in SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA
From 14-FEB-08 09:00:00 to 14-FEB-08 18:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

A quick hitting snowstorm dumped 8.5 inches at Cuyamaca, 8 inches at Sunshine Summit near Warner Springs, 7 inches at Warner Springs and Palomar Mountain, 6 to 8 inches at Julian, and 5 inches at Campo. Heavy snow was accompanied by lightning, poor visibility, and wind gusts of 30-50 mph. Four people were treated for hypothermia.

Flash Flood in SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
From 14-FEB-08 13:00:00 to 14-FEB-08 13:30:00 (PST-8)
Location: SAN PASQUAL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Burn Area
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Heavy rain over the steep slopes of the Witch Creek Burn Area triggered rapid runoff that resulted in significant erosion and undermined portions of Highway 78 near San Pasqual. It is not clear if this was a debris flow or a more traditional flash flood.

High Wind in SANTA ANA MOUNTAINS AND FOOTHILLS, CALIFORNIA
From 14-FEB-08 09:30:00 to 14-FEB-08 10:30:00 (PST-8)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A 64 mph wind gust was measured by the Fremont Canyon RAWS.

Winter Storm in SAN DIEGO COUNTY VALLEYS, CALIFORNIA
From 14-FEB-08 12:00:00 to 14-FEB-08 18:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

More than 4 inches of snow fell in the inland valleys at elevations between 2500-3000 feet. Other valleys at elevations between 1500-2500 feet generally received 1 to 3 inches of snow. Moderate to locally heavy snow was accompanied by lightning and gusty winds.