SAN DIEGO — San Diego County residents should get a break Sunday after a relentless storm brought heavy snow and icy roads to the mountains and flooding elsewhere, leading to multiple road closures.
In some areas, Sunday's forecast called for partly cloudy skies, isolated rain showers, and westerly wind gusts of up to 45 mph, with highs in the 40s to 60s.
A winter weather advisory is in place until noon Sunday for the mountains. A wind advisory will remain in effect in the desert areas until 6 p.m. Sunday.
Alpine received 1.07 inches of rain Saturday, breaking a Feb. 25, 2003, record of .77 inches. El Cajon received 1.12 inches, breaking a Feb. 25, 1996, record of 1 inch.
Vista hit a record low Saturday of 54 degrees, tying a Feb. 25, 1987, record.
The following snowfall amounts were recorded Saturday by the National Weather Service:
- Mt. Laguna, 23 inches
- Palomar Mountain, 15 inches
- Julian, 10 inches
On Saturday, Caltrans San Diego said heavy snow caused the closure of northbound State Route 79 at Old Highway 80 in Descanso and eastbound State Route 78 in Santa Ysabel, except to area residents. The closures were to remain in place until road conditions improved.
Chains were required on Sunrise Highway starting at Old Highway 80, except for four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow-tread tires.
Flooding occurred in low-lying areas around the San Diego River. Both lanes of Mission Center Road in Mission Valley were closed between Friars Road and Camino De La Reina due to flooding.
Two people were rescued by lifeguards Saturday when their vehicle was trapped in flooding on Pacific Highway near the San Diego Airport. Lifeguards performed the rescues, and the two people were assessed for injuries.
The Ocean Beach Pier remained closed after being damaged during storms and high surf earlier this year. The pier will remain closed until the damage can be assessed safely after the storm season has passed.
At times, traveling in the East County highlands "could be very difficult to impossible," the NWS warned.
The short break in precipitation was predicted for Sunday afternoon through Monday morning, but a pair of disturbances moving onshore to the north could bring back rain and snow showers Monday afternoon through midweek.
It will remain cool all week, with daytime temperatures below average.
Storm Timeline
Saturday starting at about 5:00 a.m. and lasting until noon; torrential rainfall will cover San Diego County.
Then, a narrow band of heavy rain is expected Saturday between 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. After that, the wet weather will back off a little.
Forecasters advised that widespread rain, mountain snow, and high winds will continue through the weekend, with more local rain possible next week.
Occasional rain and snow showers were expected to continue into Sunday morning as the cold storm center moves inland over Southern California.
A short break in the precipitation was predicted for Sunday afternoon through Monday morning, but a pair of disturbances moving onshore to the north could bring back rain and snow showers Monday afternoon through midweek.
It will remain cool all week, with daytime temperatures below average.
Mission Valley Road Closures
Ahead of potential flooding, officials have closed some thoroughfares in the Mission Valley area after a previous storm proved some roadways over river crossings were prone to flooding.
The following streets will be closed starting at 9 p.m. Friday:
- Camino De La Reina at Camino De La Siesta (westbound)
- Camino De La Reina west of Avenida Del Rio (eastbound)
- San Diego Mission Road between Fairmount and Caminito Yucatan (eastbound and westbound)
- Qualcomm Way and Rio San Diego Drive (southbound only)
- Mission Center Road between Hazard Center Drive and Camino De La Reina (northbound)
- Ward Road at Camino Del Rio N (southbound)
- Camino Del Este between Station Village Drive and Camino De La Reina (northbound)
- Camino Del Este between Station Village Drive and Camino De La Reina (southbound)
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.
CBS 8's Abbie Black shows how to put snow chains on your tires. Click here to watch.
Shelter resources
Four inclement weather shelters for San Diegans experiencing homelessness were activated Saturday by the San Diego Housing Commission.
The shelters were open Saturday at the following locations:
- Father Joe's Villages at the Joan Kroc Center, 1501 Imperial Ave., can take 45 adults and an additional ten beds for families with minor children or single women, check-in at 4 p.m. Saturday and check-out at 5 a.m. Sunday;
- Paul Mirabile Center at 1501 Imperial Ave. can take 40 adults, with check-in starting at 4 p.m. until full and checkout at 5 a.m.;
- Living Water Church of the Nazarene at 1550 Market St. can take 28 adults with check-in at 8 p.m. or until full and checkout at 6:30 a.m.;
- San Diego Rescue Mission at 120 Elm St. can take up to 10 single women, check-in starting at 5:30 p.m. until full, and checkout at 7 a.m.
The program is a partnership of the San Diego Housing Commission, the city of San Diego, and the shelters.
All City of San Diego shelters operates on a first-come-first-served basis. Check-in times and check-out times may vary by location. For more information, click here.
WATCH RELATED: Friday weather forecast
