Back-To-Back Storms To Bring Heavy Rain, Flood Threat To San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA — A little more than a week after a severe winter storm brought historic rainfall and flash floods to San Diego County, two more storms could bring heavy rain, gusty winds and damaging floods to the region.

The first storm is expected to bring widespread rain, strong winds and mountain snow Thursday through Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

"A fast-moving Pacific storm will bring strong gusty winds and locally heavy precipitation on Thursday with showers lingering through Friday night," NWS San Diego wrote Wednesday.

Rainfall totals from Thursday morning through Friday night are predicted to range from 1.5 to 2 inches in the coastal areas and valleys, 2 to 3 inches in the mountains, and one-third to one-half an inch in the deserts, according to forecasters. Rainfall rates of a half-inch to three-quarters of an inch will be possible.

There is also a slight chance of thunderstorms Thursday afternoon and night.

In anticipation of flooding, the NWS issued a countywide flood watch. The flood watch will be in effect from 6 a.m. Thursday to 10 a.m. Friday for the county's coastal areas, deserts, mountains and valleys.

Forecasters warned that excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone areas.

"Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas," NWS San Diego wrote. "Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop."

A high surf advisory will be in effect from 2 a.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Saturday for the county's coastal areas.

Large breaking waves of 5 to 8 feet are expected, with sets up to 10 feet, according to the NWS. The surf will peak late Thursday into Friday before gradually lowering Friday night and Saturday.

Forecasters warned of dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion.

The NWS also issued wind advisories for parts of the county. Forecasters said strong winds are predicted Thursday morning ahead of the cold front.

A wind advisory will be in effect from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday for the county's coastal areas, where south winds are expected between 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, according to the NWS. An advisory will also be in effect from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday for the valleys, where south to southeast winds are expected between 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph.

Forecasters warned gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs and palm fronds could also be blown down.

"The snow level will rise between 7,000 to 7,500 feet Thursday morning, then fall during the afternoon to around 5,000 feet for Thursday night after the cold front moves to the east," NWS San Diego wrote.

After a break in the rain Saturday, another Pacific storm is expected to arrive Sunday or Monday, according to the NWS.

"Some lighter precipitation may return to portions of southwestern California for Sunday and Sunday night," NWS San Diego wrote.

"For the early and middle part of next week, low pressure off the West Coast will funnel subtropical and tropical moisture northward into portions of Central and Southern California. This will have the potential for periods of moderate to locally heavy precipitation lasting for several days, for at least a portion of the area."

The back-to-back storms come after last week's winter 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 destructive floods.

The National Weather Service reported that Jan. 22 was the fourth wettest day recorded in San Diego since 1850.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria on Wednesday said a voluntary evacuation warning will be issued for residents in low-lying areas that were affected by flooding last week. That includes southeastern San Diego, including the hard-hit communities of Encanto, Logan Heights, Mountain View and Southcrest.

The city is also establishing a shelter at Municipal Gym at Balboa Park. Gloria said transportation to the shelter will be provided to people who need it.

"This is not an evacuation order," Gloria said. "This warning is voluntary, and it is designed to encourage residents in these flood-prone communities to prepare if and when evacuation does become necessary."

The county encouraged residents to visit AlertSanDiego.org for information on what to do during an emergency, tips on how to prepare for a disaster, and find resources about recovery efforts.

Also see:

• Flooding Prompts Road, School Closures Across San Diego County
  
• Several San Diego Area Schools Close Early Due To Flooding, Outages
  
• City, County Of San Diego Declare Emergency After Rain, Flooding
  
• Newsom Proclaims State Of Emergency After Flooding In San Diego County
• Fire Captain's Disc Toss Saves Man From Flooded San Diego River
  
• Flood Response Fund Launched In San Diego County
  
• How To Report Storm Damage In San Diego County
  
• San Diego County Opens Assistance Center For Storm Victims
• More Rain On The Way: Storms To Bring Rain, Winds To San Diego County
• 10-Foot Waves, Dangerous Conditions Expected Along San Diego County Coast