SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — The National Weather Service office in San Diego issued a blizzard warning for the San Bernardino Mountains as gusty winds, torrential rain, and heavy mountain snowfall battered San Diego County.
Meteorologists predicted travel would be difficult or "impossible" as the National Weather Service issued a first-of-its-kind blizzard warning.
The inclement weather prompted school closures in the following school districts on Friday:
- Julian Union Elementary School District
- Julian Union High School District
- Mountain Empire Unified School District
- Spencer Valley School District
Recorded high winds over the period included 84 mph on Volcan Mountain in Julian, 67 mph on Otay Mountain, 60 mph in Borrego Springs, and 52 mph in Coronado, the NWS reported.
Daytime highs were forecasted to be colder than usual for this time of the year.
Temperatures were last checked at 15 to 25 degrees below seasonal, with Wednesday and Thursday being the coldest.
The cold nature of this storm will drive down the snow level.
The snow level dropped to 2,500 feet Wednesday, giving almost every mountain range a good chance for snow.
Dangerously high wind gusts will also impact our local mountains and the anticipated heavy snow.
Weather Alerts
Interactive Radar Map | Follow as the storm systems move through San Diego County
Flood Watch | Coast, Inland Valleys and Mountains from 4:00 PM PST February 24, 2023, to the afternoon of February 26, 2023
Wind Advisory | Coast and Inland Valleys through 6:00 AM PST February 25, 2023
Storm Preparedness & Resource Information
- The Get it Done app can help you report blocked storm drains, potholes, and broken streetlights
- 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
Snow Travel Preparedness Tips
- Be weather-wise and know the weather forecast during your travel.
- Limit travel during and after a winter storm.
- Keep your gas tanks full, phones charged, and an emergency preparedness kit.
- Keep jumper cables, blankets, and other winter supplies in your vehicle.
- Snow chains may be required on certain roads and highways.
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.
On Wednesday, winds up to 50 miles per hour wreaked havoc across San Diego County, knocking down trees, causing power outages, and closing schools in the mountain areas.
Power outages were reported all across the county, including in Del Mar, Torrey Pines, Clairemont, and Ocean Beach, according to SDG&E's power outage map.
The intense storm also prompted the San Diego County Office of Education to cancel classes for Wednesday at Julian Union Elementary School, Julian Union High School, Spencer Valley Elementary School, and the Mountain Empire Unified School District campuses.
The City of San Diego reported 50 fallen trees in 12 hours after high overnight winds.
A large tree crashed into an apartment building near Morena Boulevard and Littlefield Street in Bay Park. A second-floor apartment suffered the brunt of the damage. One of the tenants showed CBS 8 the damage from inside the apartment. She said it sounded like a big bang. She thought a truck had hit the building. Her friend was sleeping on the couch just feet from where the tree hit.
"She heard the windows shaking, moved, and then this tree crashed into the living room. She was like, 'Oh my God!'" said the tenant, who asked not to be identified. "Very scary. Never had anything like this happen."
Fortunately, no one was hurt.
A large tree in Del Mar Heights fell and penetrated the roof of a house due to the high winds. The elderly couple, which was not injured, was asleep when a light fixture above their bed fell.
While the high winds caused problems for many, other San Diegans seemed to enjoy it.
"We love it. It's great. It's so rare that it happens. It's spectacular, and the waves are beautiful. Everybody should come out; you'll love it, " said a San Diego couple walking along the Mission Beach boardwalk.
WATCH RELATED: Downed powerlines and trees across the county as winter storms hit Southern California (Feb 22):