Flood Watch In Effect As Storm Brings More Rain To San Diego Region

SAN DIEGO, CA — The latest in a series of recent winter storms will bring even more rain, potential flooding and mountain snow Tuesday to the San Diego region.

Widespread rain Tuesday will become "more showery" and continue at times through Friday and possibly into Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. There is also a slight chance of thunderstorms for Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning.

The snow level will lower to around 6,000 feet early Tuesday morning, then fall to around 4,000 feet for late Tuesday night, then mostly fluctuate between 4,000 and 5,000 feet through Friday.

"Widespread rain and high elevation snow will continue today across the whole region," NWS San Diego wrote Tuesday morning. "Rain falling on very saturated ground from the past few days will exacerbate flood concerns."

A flood watch is in effect until 10 p.m. Tuesday across the county, including the coastal areas, deserts, mountains and valleys.

Forecasters warned that excessive runoff could result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone areas. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks, and flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas, the NWS reported.

A flash flood warning is in effect until 1 p.m. Tuesday for northwestern San Diego County.

At 9:55 a.m. Tuesday, doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain falling across the warned area, according to the NWS. Between 0.75 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen over the last few hours. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area.

A flood warning was extended until 1 p.m. Wednesday for the San Diego River. The river is expected to rise to 10.2 feet Tuesday afternoon, above the flood stage of 10 feet, according to the NWS.

"Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas," the NWS said. "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles."

A rare tornado warning was issued late Tuesday morning for parts of the region. The warning was in effect until 12:45 p.m. for a stretch of east and south San Diego County.

A winter weather advisory will be in effect from 10 p.m. Tuesday until noon Thursday for the county mountains above 5,000 feet.

Total snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches is expected, with local amounts up to 18 inches, according to the NWS. Wind gusts could reach as high as 60 mph.

"Travel could be very difficult," the NWS warned. "The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches."

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Sunday in eight counties in the state, including San Diego County.

The proclamation includes provisions authorizing a California National Guard response, if necessary, facilitating unemployment benefits for impacted residents, and allowing out-of-state contractors and utilities to repair storm damage. The proclamation also covers Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

"California: This is a serious storm with dangerous and potentially life-threatening impacts," Newsom said in a statement. "Please pay attention to any emergency orders or alerts from local officials."

This week's slow-moving storm comes after two recent storms brought heavy rain and flooding to the region.

After the wettest day on Jan. 22, Newsom, as well as the city and county of San Diego declared states of emergency due to devastating floods that damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes, flooded streets and roadways, and created mudslides and erosion in the San Diego area. The NWS reported that Jan. 22 was the fourth-wettest day recorded in San Diego since 1850.

County officials encouraged residents to visit AlertSanDiego.org for information on what to do during an emergency, download the SD Emergency app to receive alerts, follow the county on social media, and pay attention to emergency information and instructions regarding flooding.

Advisories and Warnings

A flood watch is in effect until 10 p.m. Tuesday across the county, including the coastal areas, deserts, mountains and valleys.

A flash flood warning is in effect until 1 p.m. Tuesday for northwestern San Diego County.

A flood warning was extended until 1 p.m. Wednesday for the San Diego River.

A winter weather advisory will be in effect from 10 p.m. Tuesday until noon Thursday for the county mountains above 5,000 feet.

A tornado warning was in effect until 12:45 p.m. Tuesday for a stretch of east and south San Diego County.

Closures

Some businesses, government facilities, parks and roads were closed Tuesday due to the storm. See a list of closures here.

Shelter

An emergency shelter at 2111 Pan American Plaza is open to the public. The shelter offers a place for displaced people to stay, meals, snacks, crisis counseling, help replacing medication, and pet support from the San Diego Humane Society. Contact the shelter at 619-525-8262.

The city of San Diego's inclement weather shelter program was activated Tuesday. Beds are available for San Diegans experiencing homelessness at Father Joe's Villages, Living Water Church of the Nazarene, and San Diego Rescue Mission.

Also see:

• 2 Rescued From Flooded San Diego River In San Diego
• Body Found Floating In Water In San Diego Near Border
• Storm Brings Heavy Rain, Prompts Road And Other Closures In San Diego County