Rain is expected to alternate between light and heavy in San Diego County today as the latest in a week full of storm systems moves across Southern California. The latest storm could produce small hail and gusty winds, and a wind advisory is in effect in the county from noon to 6 p.m. today, according to the National Weather Service. More showers and a possible thunderstorm are predicted for Thursday, Jan. 7, with daytime temps in the high 50s. A flash flood watch continues for the coastal areas through 4 a.m. on the 7th, and a high surf advisory continues through 10 p.m. on Jan. 8. Winds of between 15 and 25 miles an hour were expected along the coast this afternoon , with gusts up to 40 miles an hour. Residents and businesses in the city of La Mesa can acquire free sandbags to protect against flooding. City officials said the sandbags may be picked up in the shed in front of the fuel facility at the La Mesa Public Works Department, located at 8152 Commercial St. They request that individuals take only what they need. In the mountains, a winter storm warning is in effect above 4,500 feet until 4 a.m. Jan. 8. Winds between 25 and 35 miles an hour are expected, with gusts up to 50 miles an hour. Travelers are advised to check weather reports, prepare for inclement weather and use extreme caution. Heavy snowfall is expected through Thursday morning, followed by light to moderate snowfall through Thursday night. Through Friday, between 6 and 12 inches of snow is expected to accumulate between 4,500 and 5,500 feet, from 1 to 2 feet between 5,500 and 7,000 feet and from 2 to 4 feet above 7,000 feet, the weather service said. The stormy weather is already playing havoc on local roads. The California Highway Patrol reported that there were 374 traffic collisions Jan 5 on county freeways and unincorporated area streets. That’s more than two and a half times the average of 140 crashes on a normal day, according to the California Highway Patrol. Forecasters say mostly sunny skies should return on Monday, Jan. 14, with temperatures into the low 60s. — City News Service