O.C. Under Weekend Winter Storm Watch—Rain's Coming Tonight

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the Orange County from late Friday night through Sunday morning.

Most of the rain -- along with the possibility of thunderstorms -- will come Saturday, forecasters say, although the area will continue to see precipitation Sunday.   The storm is projected to produce between three-quarter of an inch and 1.5 inches of rain, although between 1.5 and three inches is possible in the foothills and mountains, forecasters said.

Lows in Orange County will drop into the high 50s Friday night, with highs Saturday again in the high 50s. Saturday night, lows will dip into the 40s. On Sunday, we'll again see highs in the 50s.

• Timing: Steady rain will develop Saturday morning and continue through Saturday afternoon as the cold front moves through. Behind the front, there will continue to be the threat of additional showers and snow showers over the region into Sunday as cold and unstable air
  engulfs the area.

• Snow levels: Snow levels on Saturday will range between 5,000 feet and 6,000 feet, but will drop to between 2,500 feet and 3,000 feet Saturday night.

• Snow accumulations: Through Sunday morning, snow accumulations will range between 10 and 16 inches above 6,000 feet with less accumulations below 6,000 feet.

• Winds: Southerly winds of 20 to 30 mps with gusts to 50 mps are expected Saturday. Winds will shift to the northwest Saturday night.

"Anyone planning to travel into the mountains and deserts this weekend should be prepared for the possibility of winter weather driving conditions. This weather could be deadly for unprepared campers or hikers,'' forecasters warned.