Emergency Declared as Monstrous Floods Engulf San Diego

• Record January rain in San Diego with a surprise storm.
• Mayor declares emergency, urges off roads.
• Flooded Navy Base, closed streets, schools shut. NWS warns of limited rain.

San Diego was battered by the third and most powerful Pacific storm in a series that hit the West Coast since Friday. The National Weather Service (NWS) officially declared Monday as “the wettest January day on record in San Diego,” following severe flooding and unexpected torrential rain.

The storm, fueled by a long-tail jet stream, a robust atmospheric river, unstable air, and a mix of warmer and colder climates, delivered a wallop to the city, catching residents off guard. Tijuana and northern Baja California also experienced severe flooding, prompting the rescue of at least eight migrants by United States Customs and Border Protection agents and San Diego Fire Department rescuers.

Navy Base San Diego was not spared, as flooding wreaked havoc, leading to the closure of multiple streets, Interstate 15, and the route to Las Vegas. The situation prompted Mayor Todd Gloria to declare a state of emergency, citing “extreme rainfall and flash flooding.” He urged residents and visitors alike to stay off the roads.

The aftermath of the storm revealed damage across the city, with small rivers overflowing into neighborhoods and causing significant disruptions. Schools in La Mesa and Spring Valley announced closures for Tuesday, reflecting the gravity of the situation.

NWS meteorologist Brandt Maxwell explained that the storm, spinning counterclockwise at the coast, delivered a powerful blow to San Diego, fueled by the convergence of various meteorological factors. Despite the city’s rainfall being below normal for the season, this single storm pushed the total slightly above the yearly average, with half the rainy season still ahead.

Looking ahead, Maxwell noted that while the rainfall has provided relief, it’s rare to experience such significant precipitation beyond March. The current storm is likely the last of its kind for January, and there are no imminent threats on the horizon for Southern California.

As San Diego grapples with the aftermath of this monstrous storm, residents are advised to remain vigilant, heed emergency declarations, and stay informed about any further developments in the weather conditions.

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