Rain coming to area

The storm system expected to bring long-awaited significant rainfall to San Diego County could arrive as early as Monday night, a National Weather Service meteorologist said today.

“Most of the rain will fall Tuesday and into Wednesday,’’ said Noel Isla of the NWS. Some precipitation could start late Monday night, he said.

Isla said he expects between one-half and three-quarters of an inch of rain along the coast with a little more in the inland valleys. Up to two and a half inches could fall in the foothills and mountains, he said.

There’s a good chance the storm could tap into a nearby area of tropical moisture, according to Isla.

The official forecast for San Diego calls for a 40 percent chance of rain Monday night, increasing to 70 percent by Tuesday night and 60 percent Wednesday.

Because of instability left over from the storm, a chance of rain exists through Saturday, Isla said.

Since the storm is not expected to be especially cold, snow is unlikely in San Diego County mountains, he said.