The system also will drop 6 to 12 inches of snow above in the mountains above 5,000 feet and create icy conditions on Interstate 8.

A powerful storm system was expected to reach San Diego County overnight Thursday, bringing even more rain, wind, snow and a higher potential for flooding than its predecessor. The heaviest showers were expected overnight,

The rain will continue off and on through Saturday in most parts of the county with a brief respite Wednesday, the San Diego office of the National Weather Service said.