Flood watch issued for these San Diego areas as atmospheric river approaches
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Much of San Diego County has been put under a flood watch by the National Weather Service as an atmospheric river is set to bring the season’s first bands of significant rainfall.
The advisory is set to go into effect Thursday afternoon, when the second round of rain from this storm system is expected to hit, along the coast and in the mountain areas.
While the watch is in place, low-lying and flood-prone areas — like roads, small creeks or rivers — could experience overflow due to excessive runoff during the storm, according to NWS forecasters. Potentially life-threatening debris flows could also occur along recent burn scars.
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Those living in areas that could see flooding are expected to be prepared, including securing outdoor items vulnerable to be carried away in flood waters, clearing the storm drains on one’s home and layering sandbags if necessary.
Forecasters also encourage people to continue monitoring forecasts and road conditions while remaining alert for possible flood warnings, which indicate flooding is imminent.
The atmospheric river is expected to dump the most precipitation San Diego has seen so far during the region’s traditional “rainy season.”
Aside from some drizzles Tuesday, light showers are expected to begin in earnest as early as Wednesday afternoon, according to NWS. Models are showing as much as one quarter along the coast to one-half inch in the mountains of precipitation during the first day of rain.
The heaviest precipitation is not expected until Thursday. For San Diego, rainfall totals are projected to be around 0.75 inches to 1.25 inches in coastal communities to upwards of three inches in the mountains, NWS says.
(National Weather Service)
By Friday, cumulated precipitation totals are expected to range from two inches on the coast to five inches in the mountains.
Forecasters note the storm will be on the warmer side, so not much snow is anticipated for mountain areas. Snow levels are anticipated to rise from 4,500 feet Wednesday morning to about 8,000 feet heading into Thursday.
However, winds in areas east of the mountains are expected to pick up Tuesday with the onset of the storm. Individual gusts stronger than 55 miles per hour are expected in the county’s desert areas, with the winds diminishing overnight.
A wind advisory will be in place for the county’s deserts from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday.
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