SAN DIEGO — A strong Pacific storm was predicted to ring in the New Year in San Diego County with strong winds and widespread rain Saturday evening, the National Weather Service said.
The rain was expected to be heavy at times and high snow levels could keep most accumulating snow above the mountain resorts, the NWS said. Areas of dense fog, heavy rain, strong winds and wet road surfaces were expected to make New Year's Eve travel hazardous at times.
A flood watch was in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday through late New Year's Eve for San Diego County coastal areas, mountains and valleys. A wind advisory was posted from 8 p.m. Saturday to 4 p.m. Sunday for coastal areas, deserts, mountains and valleys.
"The storm will move out as quickly as it moves in," the NWS said. "This should make for a quiet Monday with some sun, but continued cool weather."
Another major winter storm was expected to bring some rain and mountain snow by Thursday, forecasters said.
Most local temperatures Saturday were expected to be in the 60s, with overnight lows in the upper 40s and lower 50s. Highs in the mountains were expected to be in the 50s with lows of 33 to 41, and highs in the deserts were forecast to be in the lower 70s with lows of 46 to 56.
Small streams and normally dry creek beds were expected to start flowing with water. Some minor rises in the county's main rivers were likely as well. The rise in the San Diego River could be sufficient to overtop a few of the low-water crossings in Fashion Valley on Sunday.
Strong winds and hazardous seas were expected Saturday evening through Sunday evening. Northwest winds of 20 to 30 knots with gusts of 35 to 40 knots were expected over the coastal waters. A gale warning was posted for the outer and inner waters. Combined seas of 10 to 15 feet were likely Sunday, highest in the outer waters.
A west-northwest swell of 10 to 15 feet at 8 to 10 seconds could produce high surf at the beaches Sunday through Monday, with sets of 5 to 8 feet. Higher sets to 9 feet could occur in southern San Diego County.
A high surf advisory will be in effect Sunday through Monday. Surf will gradually diminish Monday, though more Pacific storms could bring elevated to high surf Wednesday through Saturday of next week.
Preparations
San Diego is preparing for stormy weather over the next week and leaders are encouraging area residents to take proactive steps to prevent flooding.
According to the city statement, the Stormwater Department will be temporarily placing "no parking" signs in low-lying or flood-risk areas, cleaning storm drains and inlets with a history of debris buildup, street sweeping to reduce trash and pollutants from entering our waterways and monitoring more than 46,000 storm drains citywide for any issues.
Even though the worst of the stormy weather has yet to arrive, water has already started to go over the road in parts of Mission Valley.
“We got to really plan on where we’re going to drive," said Jordan Gilles, Mission Valley resident.
Just weeks ago, a man was swept away by rushing water from the San Diego River as he was attempting to cross the bridge. Gilles says it’s a problem any time there is rain, "The San Diego river right here, whenever it rains really at all, it overflows that water way pretty much immediately. Some people try to walk through it sometimes but its deceptively deep."
On an individual level, city and county residents can assist by:
-- Sweeping and picking up trash, leaves, grass clippings and other debris that collect around storm drains and curb gutters near your home;
-- Keeping the lid securely closed on trash and recycle bins when placing them out on the street for collection and placing them several feet away from the curb to not impede stormwater;
-- Turning off irrigation to save water;
-- Knowing safe routes to and from your home should flooding occur;
-- Slowing down and not attempting to traverse floodwaters; and
-- Not lifting manhole covers or grates in the event of flooding.
Additionally, sandbags are available in limited supply and can be picked up at nine recreation centers centrally located in each San Diego City Council District. Residents with identification showing proof of residency can receive up to 10 empty sandbags.
Residents should pick them up Friday, as the centers will be closed Saturday, Dec. 31, through Monday, Jan. 2, for the holiday.
As the sandbags are not pre-filled, residents are encouraged to also plan to buy sand at local hardware stores, landscape suppliers or wherever else sand can be purchased.
The locations to pick up sandbags are Standley Recreation Center, Robb Athletic Field, Golden Hill Recreation Center, Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center, Scripps Ranch Recreation Center, North Clairemont Recreation Center, Allied Gardens Recreation Center, San Ysidro Community Activity Center and City Heights Recreation Center.
During the rains, crews from the city's Storm Patrol will be monitoring areas throughout the city and responding to incidents, such as temporary flooding and downed trees or branches.
Residents can report events, such as flooding or downed trees, by using the Get It Done application or by calling 619-527-7500. If it is a life- threatening emergency, call 911.
Weather Alerts
Interactive Radar Map | Follow the rain as it moves into San Diego County
Flood Watch | San Diego County, mountains, inland valleys, coastal areas:
6:00 p.m. Saturday – 2:00 a.m., Sunday.
Storm Preparedness & Resource Information
The Get it Done app can help you report blocked storm drains, potholes and broken street lights
Sign up for Alert San Diego notifications for all your telephone numbers
Report flooding to the City's emergency dispatch center at 619-527-7500
Report downed electrical lines or gas emergencies to San Diego Gas & Electric at 800-411-7343
ReadySanDiego.org has information on how to protect yourself and your property during a flooding situation
For more information on preparing for a storm and what to do during and after the rain, click here to be taken to the City of San Diego’s Storm Preparedness website.
Sandbags
- Bonita: Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Station: 4900 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902, P: 619-479-2346
- Boulevard: Boulevard Fire Station #47: 40080 Ribbonwood Road, Boulevard, CA 91905, P: 619-390-2020
- De Luz: De Luz Fire Station #16 39431 De Luz Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028 P: 760-728-2422
- Dulzura: Dulzura Fire Station #30: 17304 Highway 94, Dulzura, CA 91917, P: 619-468-3391
- Fallbrook: Pala Mesa Fire Station #4, 4375 Pala Mesa Drive, Fallbrook, CA 92028, P: 760-723-2024
- Julian: Julian-Cuyamaca: Fire Station #56, 3407 Hwy 79, Julian, CA 92036, P: 760-765-2885
- Ramona: Ramona Fire Station #82, 3410 Dye Road, Ramona, CA 92065, P: 760-789-0107
- Rincon: Rincon Fire Station #70: 16971 Highway 76, Pauma Valley, CA 92061, P: 760-742-3243
- Valley Center: Valley Center Fire Station #2, 28205 N. Lake Wohlford Road, Valley Center, CA 92082, P: 760-751-7605
- Warner Springs: Sunshine Summit Fire Station #59, 35227 Highway 79, Warner Springs, CA 92086, P: 760-782-9113
Bags Only
- Alpine: Alpine Fire Station #17 1364 Tavern Road Alpine, CA 91901 P: 619-445-2635
- Borrego Springs: Ocotillo Wells Fire Station #54 5841 Highway 78, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 P: 760-767-7430
- Campo: Campo Fire Station #40 31577 Highway 94, Campo, CA 91906 P: 619-478-5516
- Campo: Lake Morena Fire Station #42 29690 Oak Drive, Campo, CA 91906 P: 619-478-5960
- Descanso: Descanso Fire Station #45 24592 Viejas Grade Road, Descanso, CA 91916 P: 619-445-7508
- El Cajon: Harbison Canyon Fire Station #24 551 Harbison Canyon Road, El Cajon, CA 92019 P: 619-445-5001
- Escondido: Deer Springs Fire Station #13 10308 Meadow Glen Way East, Escondido, CA 92026 P: 760-751-0820
- Escondido: Miller Fire Station #15 9127 W. Lilac Road, Escondido, CA 92025 P: 760-728-8532
- Jacumba: Jacumba Fire Station #43 1255 Jacumba St., Jacumba, CA 91934 P: 619-766-4535
- Jamul: Deerhorn Fire Station #37 2383 Honey Springs Road, Jamul, CA 91935 P: 619-468-3030
- Laguna: Mt. Laguna Fire Station #49 33947 Mount Laguna Drive, Sunrise Highway, Mt Laguna, CA 91948 P: 619-473-8281
- Palomar Mountain: Fire Station #79, 21610 Crestline Road, Palomar Mtn., CA 92060, P: 760-742-3701
- Pine Valley: Pine Valley Fire Station #44 28850 Old Highway 80, Pine Valley, CA 91962 P: 619-578-6621
- Potrero: Potrero Fire Station #31 25130 Highway 94, Potrero, CA 91963 P: 619-478-5544
- Ranchita: Ranchita Fire Station #58 37370 Montezuma Valley Road, Ranchita, CA 92066 P: 760-782-3467 *(Not staffed 24/7)
- Deer Springs/San Marcos: Deer Springs Fire Station #12 1321 Deer Springs Road, San Marcos, CA 92069 P: 760-741-5512
- San Pasqual: San Pasqual Fire Station #84 17701 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92025 P: 858-573-1322
- Warner Springs: Warner Springs Fire Station #52 31049 Highway 79, Warner Springs, CA 92086 P: 760-782-3560
WATCH RELATED: Cloudy for now with heavy rain expected on New Year's Eve