SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Less than two weeks after a historically severe winter storm led to disastrous local flooding and government state-of-emergency declarations, another significant series of rainy, blustery days is bearing down on the San Diego area starting Wednesday.
A few showers could move in overnight on Wednesday, beginning near 10 p.m., then the rain will move in throughout the morning commute Thursday. Rainfall will get heavier through the morning and into the early afternoon. By Thursday afternoon, most of the rain will have moved east.
There is also a chance of thunderstorms Thursday, with very gusty onshore winds, prompting officials at the National Weather Service to issue a wind advisory for the coast and inland valleys. A flood watch has been issued for the entire county for Thursday. Rain totals from Thursday could be between 1.5-2 inches or more along the coast and in inland valleys, with localized flooding expected in areas experiencing heavy rain. Up to 3 inches of rain may drop on coastal mountain slopes.
In the wake of last week’s historic storm, local officials have been busy preparing for what could be, but hopefully won’t be, Round 2. As of 7 p.m. on Wednesday, road closures are in effect in San Diego due to the impending storm, according to the city’s website. The city will issue a voluntary evacuation warning for multiple neighborhoods ahead of the next storm.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and others held a news conference to discuss steps officials had taken in anticipation of another heavy rainfall. Gloria said the city will issue an evacuation warning to residents in low-lying areas that endured flooding last week, including the communities near Chollas Creek like Southcrest and Shelltown, as well as to the south, in San Ysidro. More than 100 city staff members and contractors have inspected and performed emergency clearing of channels. The city of San Diego is establishing a shelter at the municipal gym in Balboa Park and will provide transportation to those who need it. If an evacuation order is issued, officers from the San Diego Police Department will be going door-to-door to make sure people evacuated.
San Diego county leaders are urging residents to prepare for Thursday’s storm, advising residents to stay home if they could and avoiding areas that could flood if they must leave home. Among the tips county officials issued Wednesday, they urged residents to monitor the weather and news, to get to the highest level of a building if trapped, and to avoid walking, swimming, or driving through flood waters.
CHP officers responded to an astounding 1,800-plus calls during last week’s storm, 700 more than the week before. Drivers are being urged to avoid flooded areas and, if they can’t, to exercise extreme caution. Before driving, checking your route before leaving is advised to be aware of any road closures. Do not open or lift manhole covers in the event of street flooding. Residents can report events, such as flooding or downed trees, by using the Get It Done application or by calling 619-527-7500.
Many of the homeless people living along the San Diego River are still grappling with the aftermath of last week’s floods. Teams are making their way up and down the river alerting as many residents as possible about the approaching storm. While those preparations may not be necessary on Monday, forecasters are anticipating another wet week in our immediate future.