Falling Trees, High Winds Cause Park, Road Closures In San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA — Some parks and roads in San Diego were closed Thursday amid high winds and falling trees, one of which injured a woman.

The woman was struck by a falling eucalyptus tree around 8 a.m. near Balboa Drive and El Prado, and was taken to a hospital for injuries to her head and hand that were not life-threatening.

By 11 a.m. city officials were warning residents to avoid Balboa Park, citing the strong wind and presence of crews who were removing branches blocking streets near the Cabrillo Bridge and Morley Field. Shortly after 1 p.m., the city closed the park altogether, along with Balboa Park Golf Course, Morley Field, Chollas Lake and Presidio Park.

Roads were being shut down as well.

Due to high winds, westbound Interstate 8 was closed at Crestwood Road in Campo, with passenger vehicles being detoured onto Old Highway 80. Additionally, the eastbound lanes of the freeway were shut down at Willows Road in Alpine to allow for the removal of several overturned big rigs, according to Caltrans.

The area is under a wind advisory until 10 p.m., according to the National Weather Service, which forecast a northeast wind of around 25 mph for Thursday, with gusts reaching 40 mph.

To report downed trees or streetlights, call 619-527-7500 or use the Get It Done app.