Another powerful storm was bearing down locally Saturday, with at least three straight days of rain in the forecast for San Diego County, and warnings of potentially dangerous flooding.
The first rain should arrive Sunday evening, with widespread heavy rain and mountain snow occurring Monday and Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
A flood watch will be in effect from 4 p.m. Sunday until 10 a.m. Wednesday, which includes San Diego and the cities of Carlsbad, Vista, Escondido, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Poway, Encinitas, Borrego Springs, Santee, Julian, Oceanside, Pine Valley, San Marcos, National City and La Mesa.
Excessive run-off could result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks and flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas, the NWS reported.
A wind advisory will go into effect from 8 p.m. Sunday until 10 a.m. Monday, and will include the cities of San Diego, Oceanside, Vista, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Chula Vista and National City.
Southeast winds from 15 to 25 mph and gusts up to 35 mph in some parts of the county are expected, meteorologists said.
A high-surf advisory also will go into effect from 10 p.m. Sunday until 10 p.m. Monday, with large, breaking waves of 6 to 8 feet and sets up to 10 feet. Surf will be highest on west-facing beaches in San Diego County, according to the NWS.
In addition, a small craft advisory will be in effect from 10 a.m. Sunday until 10 p.m. Monday for coastal waters from San Mateo Point to the Mexican border and out to 30 nautical miles from San Mateo Point to the border, extending 30 to 60 nautical miles out including San Clemente Island, the NWS reported.
Forecasters said south to southeast winds will increase Sunday and Monday, with gusts from 25 to 30 knots, along with seas building from 10 to 12 feet and possibly locally up to 15 feet. Strong winds and choppy/steep seas will create hazardous boating conditions Sunday morning through much of Monday.
Officials said dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion could occur. Forecasters predict that high-surf will decrease late Monday night and Tuesday, with periods of moderate to heavy rain expected Sunday night through Tuesday.
There’s a chance of thunderstorms Sunday night into Tuesday as well.
Sunday’s San Diego surf forecast includes a high-risk rip current, with surf height from 4 to 7 feet, water temperature from 57 to 60 degrees, with a mixed south swell from 200 degrees and a west swell from 270 degrees.
Forecasters expect a chance of rain in downtown San Diego Sunday after 4 p.m., with partly sunny conditions and a high near 62. Chance of precipitation is 30%, with new precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch is possible.
Partly cloudy and rainy conditions are expected in the mountains until mid-week, with highs in the low 50s. Cloudy and wet conditions are expected in the deserts all week, with highs reaching the upper 50s and low 60s.
Along the coast, partly cloudy and heavy wet conditions are expected, with daytime temperatures hitting the low 60s. Inland valley areas are expected to experience showers through Friday, with highs reaching the mid-50s to low 60s.
Local officials urged residents to be on guard as the coming storms are expected to be stronger than Thursday’s rainfall.
“With a forecast of additional rain coming next week … Mayor (Todd) Gloria has asked the public to remain vigilant and prepared,” a city statement said.
This week’s storm, and the next in line, come close behind the late January historically heavy downpours that left roadways, commercial districts and residential neighborhoods underwater across the region.
The wettest day during that storm, Jan. 22, delivered the highest 24-hour rainfall amounts in San Diego since 1850, according to forecasters.
The heavy rain, which damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes, prompted the city and county of San Diego, along with Gov. Gavin Newsom, to declare states of emergency.
Since then, authorities have been taking steps, including monitoring tens of thousands of storm drains, to prevent more destruction, Gloria said during a recent news briefing.
“Now is not the time to remove your sandbags,” the mayor said. “We can’t predict Mother Nature. She’s unpredictable.”
A new 50-room shelter at a former hotel in the Midway district has opened to provide a refuge to those impacted by the recent storms.
“Providing shelter and support for our neighbors whose lives were upended by the storm is a top priority,” City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera said. “These creative options were possible through collaboration between the city, county, the Housing Commission and state of California.
“The road ahead of us is long, but this quick and meaningful action shows that we can create creative housing solutions when we all work together.”
– City News Service
Updated 9:15 p.m. Feb. 3, 2024