At least two storms have hit the San Diego County area in 2024 already — and another, this time involving an atmospheric river — is on its way to SoCal starting Sunday night.
The storm is expected to bring at least three straight days of rain to San Diego County, and authorities are warning of the potential for dangerous flooding.
Although last week's storms were milder than expected, officials advised the public not to let their guard down in light of the expected arrival of another major storm. This means preparing for flooding and dangerous driving conditions.
On Sunday afternoon, Gov. Gavin Newsom's office issued a state of emergency for Southern California counties in the path of a powerful storm that will bring continued rain through Monday.
Track the storm's path using First Alert Doppler 7 radar here
Storm schedule
Sunday The morning started out warm and clear across most of San Diego County – but don't let that fool you.
Moisture associated with atmospheric rivers will begin moving south into central and parts of Southern California on Sunday, moving into Orange and San Bernardino counties and arriving in our county and Riverside by Sunday evening.
Rain is expected to fall Sunday night from 9 p.m. to midnight on San Diego's coasts, valleys and mountains, according to the National Weather Service in San Diego.
Wet weather is expected to remain in the San Diego area as of Sunday night to Tuesday.
There is a slight chance of thunderstorms Sunday afternoon through early MondayThe chance of thunder decreases for the rest of Monday, but returns Tuesday afternoon.
on Tuesday, The National Weather Service says rainfall will likely exceed half an inch per hour in some areas.
By late Tuesday, there was a sigh of relief as the storm moved eastward, taking the atmospheric river with it.
While precipitation rates outside of a thunderstorm won't be anything to write home about (ranging around 0.15 to 0.30 inches per hour), the rain will be persistent, causing potential flooding across much of the area.
Some additional impacts from this storm could include heavy rainfall, flooding, gusty winds, snow in the mountains and big waves in coastal areas, NBC 7 Meteorologist Francella Perez said.
How to prepare for the storm coming to San Diego County
Rain is expected today from Sunday to Tuesday evening
San Diego County coasts/valleys/mountains: 2 to 4 inches
San Diego County deserts: 0.5 to 0.75 inches
Weather warnings
wide range Flood watch It is in effect Sunday afternoon through Wednesday morning for San Diego County's coasts, deserts, mountains and valleys.
Coastal people, a Wind consultancy It will be in effect from 8 p.m. Sunday to 10 a.m. Monday for San Diego County coasts.
a Consultation about high waves It is effective from noon Sunday until 10 p.m. Monday for the coasts.
California and federal officials provide an update on February storm preparations
State and federal officials gave a live update on their February storm preparations and response on the Saturday before the storm.
“A strong atmospheric river event will impact California beginning this evening [Saturday evening] It continues until at least Tuesday. We expect significant impacts due to heavy rainfall, heavy snowfall in the mountains, and strong, gusty winds. These winds and rain will spread widely across the state tonight and Sunday, said Eric Schoening, with the National Weather Service.
“The most significant rainfall for this event is expected across the Central and South Coast, including the Los Angeles and San Diego metro areas. With this heavy rainfall, significant, high-impact flooding is likely, including potential flooding on major roads,” Schoening said. “Or flooding of creeks, creeks, rivers, mudslides, rockslides, and debris flows.”
“These devastating floods will pose a threat to lives and property,” Schoening said.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday that he has mobilized more than 8,300 individuals ahead of the upcoming winter storms that are expected to bring critical conditions to much of California this weekend and next week.
Cal OES (through the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System) has deployed more than 550 local government firefighters and support staff, as well as 19 rapid water rescue teams, including a local government urban search and rescue team throughout 19 counties.
Watch Saturday's full update below:
Mayor Todd Gloria advises the public
“With additional rain expected next week starting Monday… Mayor (Todd) Gloria has asked the public to remain vigilant and prepared,” a city statement said. “The local forecast…indicates that a slow-moving storm will deliver 2 to 3 inches of rain on Monday and Tuesday.”
This week's storm, and the one after it, are approaching a historic torrential downpour that has left roads, business districts and residential neighborhoods underwater across the region. The wettest day during that storm, Jan. 22, had the highest 24-hour amount of precipitation in San Diego since 1850, according to the National Weather Service.
The flooding, which swept away numerous parked cars and severely damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes, prompted the city and county of San Diego, along with Gov. Gavin Newsom, to declare a state of emergency.
Since then, authorities have taken steps, including monitoring tens of thousands of storm drains, to prevent further devastation from the storms, Gloria said during a recent press conference. He urged those who live or work in flood-prone areas to remain proactively vigilant as well.
“Now is not the time to remove your sandbags,” the mayor said. “We can't predict Mother Nature. She's unpredictable.”
The city and the San Diego Housing Commission have opened a new 50-room shelter on the site of a former hotel in the Midway area to provide refuge from those impacted by recent storms.
“Providing shelter and support to our neighbors whose lives were upended by the storm is a top priority,” City Council President Shawn Elo Rivera said. “These creative options were made possible through collaboration between the city, county, Housing Commission and the State of California. We have a long way to go, but this quick and meaningful action shows that we can create creative housing solutions when we all work together.”
List: Things to do on a rainy day in San Diego
What should you do to prepare for the storm?
- Sweep and collect trash, leaves, grass clippings, and other debris that collects around storm drains and curb gutters near your home;
- Place sandbags where necessary
- Keep the lid securely closed on trash and recycling bins when placing them on the street for collection. Place each box approximately two to three feet from the sidewalk so it does not obstruct the flow of rainwater into the street
- Turn off irrigation to save water and reduce runoff
- Learn the safest routes to and from your home or property in the event of flooding
- Sign up for San Diego alert notifications for all your phone numbers
- Slow down and do not drive, ride or walk through flood water
- Do not open or lift manhole covers in case of street flooding
Residents can report events, such as flooding or downed trees, using the Get It Done app or by calling 619-527-7500. If the emergency is life-threatening, call 911.
Where can you get sandbags?
Click here for a list of locations in San Diego. The county has a list of sandbag sites for people living in both unincorporated and incorporated areas.
On Thursday, San Diego city workers and park rangers were seen handing out sandbags at Encanto Neighborhood Park. Officials estimate they have distributed at least 1,000 so far, with residents driving up and loading their cars.
Many cities and organizations offer free sandbags to residents.
For a complete list of locations, click here.
As the region braces for a second storm, this one could be especially dangerous for homeless communities across the country, especially those living along the San Diego River. NBC 7's Amber Frias reports.
Supporting homeless river residents ahead of the storm
Many homeless people living along the San Diego River are still suffering from the effects of last week's flooding.
One of them said: “A few of my friends almost drowned because of the way the boat arrived so fast.”
Flooding occurred within minutes and quickly rose to waist-deep levels.
“You can see where the water has gotten,” Sarah Hutmacher of the San Diego River Foundation said Wednesday, pointing to a tent. “There's a distinct water line halfway up that tent. [And] There is still standing water in that tent.
Many homeless people who fled last week's flood left behind ID cards and documents needed to access shelters, along with their medicines. This week, Hutmacher worked with PATH homeless outreach workers to make sure this doesn't happen again.
Teams make their way up and down the river to alert as many residents as possible about the approaching storm.
While these preparations may not be necessary on Monday, forecasters are predicting another wet week in the near future.
