Rainy weather continues as second storm moves through county

Widely scattered showers are expected to continue overnight as the second in a series of back-to-back winter storms begins to depart San Diego County.

A few showers may produce heavy rain and small hail in some areas into Tuesday, but widespread flooding was no longer predicted, according to the National Weather Service.

A NWS small craft advisory for hazardous seas remains in effect overnight and winds of 10 to 15 knots are expected to cause swells of 6 to 9 feet.

Preliminary rainfall totals as of 6 p.m. Monday were one half to one inches in the valleys, less than one inch along the coast and in excess of two inches in many mountain areas, according to the NWS.

Forecasters warned motorists to slow down and use extra caution when driving on rain-slicked roads. Blowing snow and dense fog will likely make driving hazardous at times for those traveling in the mountains.

The California Highway Patrol logged 187 crashes Monday, compared to 50-75 on a dry day, an official said.

The highest concentration was during downpour between 11 a.m. and 2p.m., when 102 wrecks were reported, said CHP Officer Larry Landeros.

None of the accidents was fatal.

The figures include accidents on freeways and other roads in unincorporated areas, but not wrecks handled by municipal agencies. Landeros said the CHP handles 50-75 crashes in a 24-hour period on a normal “good weather’’ weekday.