San Diego County Under Flood Watch As Another Storm Arrives In Region

SAN DIEGO, CA — Another powerful winter storm arrived Sunday in Southern California that is expected to bring at least three straight days of rain to the San Diego region.

Widespread rain, gusty winds, potentially damaging floods and mountain snow are expected in San Diego County, according to the National Weather Service.

"A low pressure system off the California coast and an atmospheric river will produce widespread moderate to heavy precipitation across Southern California through Tuesday," NWS San Diego wrote Monday morning.

"The heaviest rainfall will occur across Orange, western Riverside and southwestern San Bernardino counties today. This region may experience considerable flooding through Tuesday," the NWS added. "The axis of heavy rainfall shifts farther southeast later today into Tuesday, centering on Riverside and San Diego counties. Periods of showers continue through the remainder of the week, with dry conditions returning for next weekend."

Through Tuesday evening, an additional 2.5-3.25 inches of rainfall is expected in northern San Diego County, 1.5-2.5 inches in central and southern San Diego County, and 1.5-4 inches in the mountains, according to the NWS.

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 advised.

"Occasional thunderstorms could produce locally heavier rainfall, increasing the risk of flash flooding further," the NWS said.

In addition, a flood advisory is in effect until noon Monday for parts of the county, including Camp Pendleton, Carlsbad, Fallbrook, Oceanside and Vista.

"Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads," the NWS warned. "Most flood deaths occur in vehicles."

A high surf advisory is in effect until 10 p.m. Monday for the county's coastal areas, where large, breaking waves are expected from 6 to 10 feet. Forecasters warned residents of dangerous swimming and surfing conditions as well as localized beach erosion.

"Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions," the NWS said.

A wind advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. Monday for the coastal areas, where southeast winds from 15 to 25 mph and gusts up to 35 mph are expected, according to the NWS. Forecasters warned gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs and palm fronds could also be blown down and a few power outages may result.

"Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle," the NWS said. "Secure outdoor objects."

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 storm comes after two recent winter storms brought heavy rains 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 flood advisory is in effect until noon Monday for parts of the county, including Camp Pendleton, Carlsbad, Fallbrook, Oceanside and Vista.

A high surf advisory is in effect until 10 p.m. Monday for the county's coastal areas.

A wind advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. Monday for the county's coastal areas.

Closures

Some businesses, government facilities, parks and roads were closed Monday 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 Monday. Beds are available for San Diegans experiencing homelessness at Father Joe's Villages, Living Water Church of the Nazarene, and San Diego Rescue Mission.