SAN DIEGO (CNS) - The leading edges of an incoming winter storm moved into the San Diego area Tuesday, ushering in a predicted spell of showers and high winds expected to last through the end of the work week.
As of late Tuesday morning, a few locations west of the local mountains had gotten some spatterings of rainfall from the incoming bands of wet clouds, though no measurable precipitation accumulations resulted, according to the National Weather Service.
Cloudier, cooler and windier conditions are likely through the day Wednesday, with increasing chances for mostly light precipitation, the NWS advised.
Heavier and more widespread showers are expected to prevail Thursday and continue in diminishing fashion into Friday, according to meteorologists. On those two days, strong, gusty winds are in the forecast for the mountains and deserts, with gusts potentially reaching 65-75 mph, according to the federal agency.
An NWS flood watch will be in effect Thursday afternoon and evening for the San Diego area's coastal, valley and mountain communities.
Toward the end of the stormy period, the local snow level should drop to 6,000 to 6,500 feet, which could result in some dustings of frozen flakes on the county's highest peaks, forecasters said.
Total rainfall amounts are expected to range from 0.75 to 1.25 inches near the coast and across the inland valleys, two to three inches in the East County highlands and one-half to one inch in desert locales.
Drier and warmer conditions will kick in over the weekend, according to the weather service.
As part of its storm preparations, the City of San Diego's Stormwater Department is placing "no parking" signs in low-lying and flood-prone areas, clearing out storm drains and inlets with significant debris built up and sweeping streets to lower the amount of garbage and pollutants entering waterways.
According to a press release, the city will monitor more than 46,000 storm drains across the area for any issues that may arise. The city may close flood-prone roads in Mission Valley that cross the San Diego River ahead of the storm out of an abundance of caution.
“As we prepare for upcoming rain this week, our dedicated City employees have been working to ensure that key stormwater infrastructure is well-maintained,” said Stormwater Department Director Todd Snyder. “While we’re taking proactive measures, we encourage residents to take steps in their own homes and neighborhoods to be prepared as well. Together we can help reduce flood risk in our community throughout this rainy season.”
Following the historic storm on Jan. 22, 2024, a state of emergency allowed the city to mobilize crews and managed to provide emergency maintenance for 18 miles of stormwater channels, including 12 miles in the Chollas Creek watershed.
The city says the Stormwater Department monitored those channels throughout 2024, and staff will keep a close eye on them during this week's storm.
The city says residents should follow these steps to prepare for the rain and possible flooding:
- Sweep and pick up trash, leaves, grass clippings and other debris that collect around storm drains and curb gutters near your home
- Keep the lids securely closed on trash and recycle bins when placing them out on the street for collection. Place each bin approximately 2 to 3 feet away from the curb so as not to impede the stormwater flowing on the street
- Proactively turn off irrigation to save water and minimize runoff
- Know the safest routes to and from your home or property should flooding occur
- Slow down and do not drive, ride or walk through flood waters
- Do not open or lift manhole covers in the event of street flooding
- During the rains, multiple crews from the City’s Storm Patrol will be actively monitoring areas throughout the city and responding to incidents, such as temporary flooding and downed trees or branches
If you want to report storm-related issues to the city, including flooding and trees that have been knocked over, call 619-527-7500 or file a report via the Get It Done app.
Residents can pick up sandbags at the following locations (city recommends buying sand at local hardware stores or landscape suppliers. Limit of 10 per household/business):
- Council District 1 - Pacific Beach Recreation Center, 1405 Diamond St.
- Council District 2 (inland) - North Clairemont Recreation Center, 4421 Bannock Ave.
- Council District 2 (coastal) - Robb Field Athletic Area, 2525 Bacon St.
- Council District 3 - Golden Hill Recreation Center, 2600 Golf Course Drive.
- Council District 4 - Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 6401 Skyline Drive.
- Council District 5 - Scripps Ranch Recreation Center, 11454 Blue Cypress Drive.
- Council District 6 - Standley Recreation Center, 3585 Governor Drive.
- Council District 7 - Allied Gardens Recreation Center, 5155 Greenbrier Ave.
- Council District 8 – Silver Wing Recreation Center, 3737 Arey Drive.
- Council District 8 - Southcrest Recreation Center, 4149 Newton Ave.
- Council District 9 - City Heights Recreation Center, 4380 Landis St.
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