First Of Back-To-Back Storms Rolls Into Region: Advisories, Closures
SAN DIEGO, CA — A little more than a week after a severe winter storm brought historic rainfall and destructive floods to San Diego County, two more storms were expected to bring heavy rain, gusty winds, damaging floods and mountain snow to the region.
The first storm arrived Thursday morning. After a break in the rain Saturday, another storm was expected to arrive early next week, according to the National Weather Service. (See current rainfall totals.)
“A fast-moving Pacific storm will bring strong gusty south winds this morning with widespread moderate to heavy precipitation into this afternoon with a slight chance of thunderstorms, then showery through tonight with decreasing showers for Friday and Friday night,” NWS San Diego wrote Thursday morning.
Find out what's happening in San Diegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“Dry for Saturday into Sunday with minor warming,” forecasters added. “More precipitation from a slow moving low pressure system off the California coast may develop later on Sunday into Monday with more widespread moderate to heavy precipitation centered some time around Tuesday.”
The back-to-back storms come after last week’s storm damaged hundreds of homes, flooded streets and roadways, and created mudslides and erosion in the region. Gov. Gavin Newsom, as well as the city and county of San Diego declared states of emergency due to the devastating floods.
Find out what's happening in San Diegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The National Weather Service reported that Jan. 22 was the fourth wettest day recorded in San Diego since 1850.
Advisories and Warnings
A flood watch was in effect until 10 a.m. Friday across the county. Forecasters warned that excessive runoff could result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone areas.
A flash flood warning was in effect until 1:45 p.m. Thursday for northwestern San Diego County, including Camp Pendleton, Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Escondido, Falbrook, Oceanside, San Marcos, Valley Center and Vista.
A flood advisory was in effect until 1:42 p.m. Thursday for some areas of the county, including Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Fallbrook, Oceanside, Poway, Ramona and Vista. The flood advisory was extended until 3:30 p.m. for Alpine, Chula Vista, Coronado, El Cajon, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, National City, Poway, Ramona and San Diego.
A high surf advisory was in effect until 6 a.m. Saturday for the county’s coastal areas. Large breaking waves of 6 to 10 feet were expected, according to the NWS. Forecasters warned of dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion.
A wind advisory was in effect until 2 p.m. Thursday for the county’s coastal areas and valleys. Forecasters warned gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs and palm fronds could also be blown down.
Closures
Some businesses, parks and roads were closed Thursday due to the rain and potential for flooding. See a list of closures here.
Evacuations
The city of San Diego issued a voluntary evacuation warning for residents in low-lying areas that were affected by flooding last week. That includes the communities of Encanto, Mission Valley, Mountain View, San Ysidro, Sorrento Valley and Southcrest.
Shelters
The city of San Diego established a shelter at Balboa Park Municipal Gym at 2111 Pan American Plaza in San Diego. San Diego Humane Society was on-site to provide sheltering for pets. Transportation to the shelter was available.
The shelter at Lincoln Senior High School closed at noon Thursday.
The city’s inclement weather shelter program was activated Thursday. Beds were available for San Diegans experiencing homelessness at Father Joe’s Villages, Living Water Church of the Nazarene and San Diego Rescue Mission.
ALSO SEE:
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.