Weather Advisory was in effect for San Diego County's mountain communities Thursday with heavy snow and windy conditions expected.

Showers and some thunderstorms are expected throughout San Diego County by the middle of the week with periods of gusty winds, the National Weather Service said Monday.

The first in a series of Pacific storms moved into San Diego County on Wednesday and began spreading much-needed rain, before a second wave was expected to follow Thursday night into Friday morning. By the time the storm leaves Friday,

Photos: San Diegans were surprised to see hail falling Sunday evening as scattered rainfall fell across the region.

County is set to experience an unsettled weather pattern this week, with rain, gusty winds and mountain snow forecast from Wednesday through Friday.

A weak atmospheric river storm that moved into San Diego County on Wednesday was expected to bring days of on-and-off rain, mountain snow and gusty winds, and it has been doing just that. Rain totals spread out over three days will add up to nearly an inch for coastal communities and some inland areas seeing more than that.

Communities across the county are gearing up for the anticipated rain, with many taking proactive steps to safeguard their properties.

A weak atmospheric river is making its way to San Diego, bringing chances of rain, snow and high winds, the National Weather Service said. Widespread showers will start Wednesday afternoon and evening.