Weather

Weather

COUNTY OFFERS SANDBAGS AND DRIVING TIPS AS STORM APPROACHES


Weather forecasters say Tropical Cyclone Hilary could bring rains and wind to San Diego County and Southern California, and County and CAL FIRE officials are offering advice and free sandbags for people living in the unincorporated County.


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FIRST-EVER TROPICAL STORM WARNING ISSUED FOR REGION, FLOOD WATCH IN DESERTS, TORNADOES POSSIBLE ACROSS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Mountain areas could get up to 10 inches of rain

UPDATE -- 4:33 a.m. Saturday-- Hurricane Hilary has sped up, with the bulk of the storm occuring on Sunday, reports @NWSSanDiego

Wind and Monday now look less severe

By Miriam Raftery

August 18, 2023 (San Diego) – For the first time ever, the National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning for San Diego County and neighboring counties,upgraded from a watch issued earlier today. 

Hurricane Hilary has been upgraded to a category 4 hurricane with 145 mile an hour winds off the Mexican coast, and is expected to impact our region as a tropical storm bringing dangerously heavy rains, high winds, flash flooding, and conditions conducive to tornados. Flash flood watches have also been issued for Borrego Springs, El Cajon, Escondido, Julian, Lakeside, Pine Valley Poway, and coastal communities. The storm could shift, so be sure to check for updates.

Rainfall is forecast to begin Saturday, with the heaviest rains Sunday afternoon when the tropical storm reaches San Diego County. The eye of the hurricane could come within 100 miles of San Diego. The National Weather Service warns that the storm will be powerful enough to potentially weaken or wash out bridges, flood structures,  close roads, cause power outages, uproot trees, and cause damage to porches, awnings, and unsecured mobile homes.

Below are highlights of warnings from the NWS for our region (the link also has details for neighboring counties):


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HURRICANE TO HIT SAN DIEGO THIS WEEKEND, WORSE IMPACTS IN INLAND MOUNTAINS AND DESERTS

Mountains and deserts forecast to get 5-7 inches of rain, with winds up to 60 mph

By Miriam Raftery

August 17, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – Hurricane Hilary is barreling toward San DIego County, slated to hit this weekend.

“The storm is going inland, so the strongest winds will be in the mountains,” meteorologist Miguel Miller with the National Weather Service in San Diego told  East County Magazine. “The rainfall, flood potential and winds are actually going to be stronger the more east you go. This will be a really wet and windy storm.”

Currently a category 2 hurricane, Hilary could be upgraded to a category 4 by the time it hits Baja, Mexico, though it will likely be downgraded to a tropical storm once it reaches San Diego County. However, the impacts will still pack a wallop, with thunderstorms, very heavy rains and flooding likely --with the worst in inland areas.

Desert areas are forecast to be soaked with 5-7 inches of rain, with 5-7 inches in the mountains, 2.5 inches in Alpine, and 1.75 inches in El Cajon from Saturday through Monday. The worst of the storm is expected to peak on Sunday.

Wind gusts of 40 to 60 miles per hour are expected in the mountains, with 30 to 50 mph winds on the desert floor. West of the mountains, 30 to 40 mph winds are forecast. High surf will occur along the coast.

This isn’t the first time a hurricane has hit our region.

Back in September 1976,  Hurricane Kathleen had a similar trajectory. Designate a tropical cyclone by the time it reached our region, it as ECM previously reported on an anniversary of that storm, it caused massive flooding and destruction.


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CALIFORNIA GRID OPERATOR WARNS HOT WEATHER COULD LEAD TO FLEX ALERTS THIS WEEK

 
Photo Courtesy: SDG&E
 
UPDATE: As of 2:04 p.m. Wednesday August 16, power officials expect/are prepared for a 3,063 mW dip into reserve coming into these critical evening hours; washers/dryers can wait? until your house is cooled off?
 
August 15, 2023 (San Diego) - The California Independent System Operator warned of unusually high temperatures this week that could strain the state’s electrical grid and necessitate Flex Alerts.
 
In a notice released over the weekend, the ISO said it is closely monitoring the power grid as widespread heat could cause supply shortages, with resources stretched thin across multiple Western states because of hot weather.

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EXTREME HEAT WAVE HITS REGION

East County News Service

July 12, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service predicts a long-duration heat wave will impact San Diego’s inland areas through next week, potentially breaking records. Triple digit temperatures will bring extreme heat risk in desert areas, with the highest temperatures Saturday through Monday, along with elevated fire weather conditions each afternoon and evening.

High temperatures are expected to reach 115-121 degrees in low desert areas such as Anza-Borrego and 105-112 degrees  in high desert areas. Mountains should reach 95-105,with San Diego’s valleys reaching 92-103 degrees. Temperatures are expected to stay warm even overnight, with lows temperatures of 80-90 degrees in low desert areas and lows in the 70s in the mountains and high desert communities.


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GUSTY WINDS BLOW INTO REGION

East County News Service

June 18, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – Windy weather is forecast tonight through Monday in San Diego County’s mountain and desert areas.

The National Weather Service predicts west winds of 25-35 miles per hour, with gusts up to 60 mph, strongest in mountain passes. This will create hazardous driving conditions for high-profile vehicles. In addition, blowing sand and dust could reduce visibility in the desert.


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SUMMER IS COMING: COUNTY OPENS COOL ZONE LOCATIONS

 

June 1,2023 (San Diego) -- With summer just around the corner, the County of San Diego opened its annual Cool Zones program Thursday to give people free, safe, air-conditioned sanctuaries to escape extreme heat.

The County created the Cool Zone Program two decades ago to give older adults, people with disabilities and those with health concerns that could be complicated by the effects of extreme heat.

The program will run from June 1 through Oct. 31; sites include the County’s 33 branch libraries, community centers and other locations across the county.

A complete list of Cool Zone sites, their hours and locations is located online. The site includes a map feature where people can type in their address to find locations near them. People can also call 2-1-1 to find a location, or, if they cannot get to a Cool Zone, ask for help with free transportation.


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WARMING TREND WITH CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS

By Miriam Raftery

May 20, 2023 (San Diego) – The National Weather Service is forecasting temperatures 5 to 10 degrees above normal through early next week, with a chance of thunderstorms this weekend.

Temperatures could reach 100 to 104 in the low deserts and 88 to 96 degrees in high desert areas.  There is a moderate risk for heat-related illnesses for pets, livestock, and those who are sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration in the desert areas.


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FALLEN TREE DAMAGES FORMER POTRERO CAFÉ, NEXT TO HISTORIC STORE

By Miriam Raftery

March 27, 2023 (Potrero) – A 300-year-old old oak tree toppled onto the porch of the former Potrero Café, next door to the historic Potrero Store, which was built in 1883 and first operated by Joseph and Damond Thing. The store remains open.

“The restaurant’s been closed for six years,” Michael Streenan, owner of the property, told East County Magazine. The tree damaged two exterior porches and an asphalt parking lot, but fortunately the buildings on the property are intact, he said.

“No one was injured when the tree fell. “Nobody even heard it come down. We just came out and saw it,” says Ryan Streenan, Michael’s son.  Neither of the Streenans knows how old the café building is, though Ryan said it may have been a house for former owners of the store.

The most likely cause of the massive tree’s collapse is the recent heavy rainfalls that have left the ground saturated.  “I guarantee you we’ve had 10 inches here,” says Jan Hedlun, a member of the Potrero community planning group. “I’ve been stranded three times on my own driveway because the water’s been 15 inches deep.  I had one oak tree branch break and fall; another tree had a branch come down.”


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RAINSTORM DRENCHES REGION; ELSEHWERE IN CALIFORNIA, HEAVY SNOW BRINGS AVALANCHE WARNINGS

East County News Service

March 15, 2023 (San Diego) -- The latest atmospheric river to drench our region dumped several inches of rainfall in many San Diego County areas over the two days ending Wednesday at 5:45 p.m.

Palomar had 5.78 inches of precipitation. In East County, the Mesa Grande reservation had 3.82 inches and Lake Cuyamaca got 3.56 inches.Julian received 2.44 inches and nearby Pine Hills had 3.09 inches.  Descanso had 2.43 inches. Many other communities received between 1.6 and 2 inches including La Mesa, Santee, Ramona, and Pine Valley. 

Though this is heavy precipitation for San Diego County, some areas elsewhere in California have set all-time records for deep snow levels. Cal Trans warns motorists to avoid some areas due to avalanche dangers, and some avalanches have already occurred.


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MARCH STARTS OFF WET AND WILD

Photo by Miriam Raftery: Snow at Santa Ysabel

 

March 3, 2023 (San Diego) – The National Weather Service has released precipitation totals for the three days ending March 2.  Residents have been left snowed in at some San Bernadino mountain towns, with Bear Mountain receiving nearly 5 feet of snow and snow resorts such as Big Bear and Snow Valley around 40 inches.  Here in San Diego County, Palomar Mountain got another 20 inches of snow and Mount Laguna another 10 inches, atop multiple feet of snow already on the ground, while Julian got 4 more inches.

 

Across the country, storms the past three days also brought substantial rain. Lake Henshaw had 3.85 inches and Santa Ysabel had 2.21 inches. El Cajon, La Mesa, and Santee had between 1 and 2 inches, while Borrego’s Palm Canyon in the desert got .84 of an inch.

 

The storm also brought hail to much of the region, from coastal areas such as Encinitas, El Cajon and La Mesa.

 

Extreme weather also caused some power outages, with some Borrego Springs residents left in the dark for nearly a full day.


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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: HAIL IN ROLANDO

East County News Service

February 27, 2023 (Roland) -- A rare hailstorm pelted much of San Diego County on Saturday night.  Pat Bennett of Rolando sent in these photos, stating, "I have lived in San Diego for 55 years and have never seen more than a few hailstones fall. Tonight, my garden, deck, patio furniture and roof were covered with it!"


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SNOW PLAY IN SANTA ISABEL

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Henri Migala and Miriam Raftery

February 27, 2023 (Santa Ysabel)-- The weekend storm brough snow to unusually low levels in San Diego County's mountains. With  popular destinations such as Julian, Cuyamaca and Mount Laguna blocked except to residents and chains required in the morning, followed by traffic jams when some highways later opened, ECM's editor and photographer headed to Santa Ysabel instead.

Visitors pulled off alongside the highway were enjoying building a snowman and tossing snowballs, with dogs frolicking in the snow. Several motorists paused to pose for pictures with horses standing just behind a barbed wire fence.

Blue skies,puffy clouds and sunbeams warming the terrain completed this idyllic scene.


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MOST STORES ON MAIN STREET CLOSED IN JULIAN SUNDAY DUE TO SNOWBOUND EMPLOYEES

Story and photos by Nadin and Tom Abbott

February 27, 2023 (Julian, CA) -- We decided to go up the mountain to Julian yesterday because it’s beautiful after a snowstorm. So we woke up bright and early and packed the Jeep for an adventure in the mountains. We also wanted to introduce my service dog to snow. As always, we packed our press passes and camera equipment, the latter because we wanted to take photos of this amazing winter wonderland, and in this, we were not disappointed.


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SAN DIEGO CLOSES PARKS DUE TO SEVERE STORM

 

East County News Service

February 24, 2023 (San Diego) --  The City of San Diego today announced that due to weather conditions and “an abundance of caution,” it has closed Mission Trails Regional Park, as well as Los Penasquitos Preserve, Chollas Lake and Maple Canyon parks.


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SNOW CLOSES RANCHO CUYAMACA STATE PARK

East County News Service

February 24, 2023 (Cuyamaca) – With lots of snow already on the ground and a major new storm set to bring the heaviest snowfall in recent memory, Rancho Cuyamaca State Park today announced that the park is closed.

California State Park Service posted on Facebook, “The park is expected to reopen sometime on Sunday. PLEASE DO NOT COME UP TO THE PARK TOMORROW (Saturday). The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning through Saturday, February 25th.” The Park Service urges people to avoid the mountain areas until after the storm, and urges would-be visitors to keep these things in mind:


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“MAJOR, UNPRECEDENTED STORM” TO BRING HEAVY SNOW TO LOCAL MOUNTAINS, FLOODING AND DEBRIS FLOWS AT LOWER ELEVATIONS

By Miriam Raftery

Photos: Snow in Julian today, courtesy of San Diego Sheriff Media Relations unit

February 23, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – Treacherous. Severe. Really dangerous conditions. Those are terms used by National Weather Service meteorologist Alex Tardy in a webinar today to describe  a slow-moving atmospheric river, coupled with high winds and frigid temperatures from an arctic jet stream, swooping into San Diego County Friday and Saturday.

The storm could dump a potentially unprecedented three to five feet of snow at elevations above 4,000 feet in some parts of Southern California, with another foot and a half forecast on Mt. Laguna atop considerable snow that's already fallen.  Also forecast are debris flows in areas not normally subject to them as snow melts. Blowing and drifting snow will impact major southern California highways, including highway 78 and the eastern portions of Interstate-8 in San Diego County.


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SDG&E RESPONDS TO OUTAGES, HIGH WINDS: OFFERS TIPS TO KEEP CUSTOMERS SAFE DURNG WINTER STORM

East County News Service

February 22, 2023 – The storm has caused power outages amid frigid weather in some parts of East County. While power has been restored in most areas, power went down in parts of Borrego Springs last night due to weather affecting SDG&E equipment, and is not expected to be restored until this evening.  Borrego resident Nikki Symington posted on Facebook, “I am freezing. No electricity since 9 last night."

According to SDG&E, “Last night at its peak 11,000 SDG&E customers were without power during the night, in addition to momentary outages caused by high winds. Crews have made significant progress in restoring thousands of customers and are working to restore remaining customers as quickly and safely as possible.”

The utility states that to protect the safety of its customers, employees and communities, the company has taken proactive steps to prepare for winter storms this week, with the strongest storm due this weekend. A news release from SDG&E states, “In anticipation of these storms, SDG&E increased the number of field crews and equipment available to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. The company’s meteorology team is also monitoring weather conditions minute-by-minute to help provide situational awareness to crews working hard to maintain the infrastructure that serves our communities. However, preparedness is a community effort, and the company encourages all of its customers to have a plan in place in case of unplanned outages.”

To help customers prepare for the upcoming storm, the company is sharing the following safety tips to help keep you and the region safe:


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COUNTY OFFERS TIPS TO STAY SAFE DURING MAJOR STORM

By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office

February 22, 2023 (San Diego) -- Rain, strong winds and cold temperatures predicted to bring significant snow to local mountains as low as 2,000 feet began Tuesday evening and are forecast to continue through Saturday. The winds will additionally bring high surf to beaches, so everyone should take precautions if on the water.

County Emergency Services and Public Works road crews recommend everyone stay alert and take precautions at home and on the roads during the atmospheric river event.

The National Weather Service winter storm systems forecast is available and can be checked for updates. Damaging winds are expected through the week and could result in tree damage or falling trees or limbs. Driving, particularly if you are driving a high-profile vehicle, is predicted to be hazardous at times.

Avoid driving in heavy rain conditions but if the trip is necessary, follow these tips:


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SEVERE WINTER STORM TO BRING STRONG WINDS, SNOW AT LOW LEVELS

East County News Service

February 21, 2023 (San Diego) – A winter storm warning has been issued for San Diego’s mountain areas and desert slopes from 6 p.m. tonight until 3 p.m. tomorrow, and for coastal and inland areas through Wednesday at 8 p.m.. Wind gusts as high as 100 miles per hour are forecast. A second winter storm is forecast starting Tuesday, when snow could drop to 2,000 feet, with rain elsewhere in the county. Heavy snows and cold temperatures are predicted through next weekend, with powerful winds returning, the National Weather Service predicts.

“Expect rain, snow, high wind and surf, as well as possible flooding and mudslides. Frigid conditions and poor visibility will impact travel,” the San Diego Sheriff’s department posted on Twitter. “Expect delays and use precautions while driving. Secure your boat and patio furniture.”


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WINTER STORM AND HIGH WIND WARNINGS

Source: San Diego County Office of Emergency Services

February 13, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for the San Diego County mountains, including Pine Valley and Julian, in effect this evening at 10 p[.m. until tomorrow afternoon at 4 p.m.

  • Severe weather conditions are expected, including heavy snow.
  • Damage to trees and power lines is possible.
  • If you must travel, plan on difficult travel conditions.
  • Keep an extra flashlight, blanket, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

The National Weather Service has also issued a High Wind Warning for the San Diego County mountains and deserts from 2/13/2023, at 10 p.m. to Tuesday 2/14/2023, at 10 p.m. PST.


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SNOW AT LOW LEVELS IN MOUNTAINS; RAIN, WINDS AND COLD WEATHER FORECAST ACROSS COUNTY

East County News Service

File photo: Snow at Pine Valley bridge, by Julie Salmons

January 29, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – Heavy snow is forecast in East County’s mountain areas today through Tuesday morning, dropping as low as 3,500 feet in elevation by Monday morning.  Strong winds, particularly in mountain and desert areas, are also predicted through Monday, along with widespread rain at lower elevations over the next two days.

The National Weather Service predicts the following snow levels in San Diego County mountains:


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COUNTY ASKING HELP TO DETERMINE STORM DAMAGES

By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office

January 18, 2023 (San Diego) - The County Office of Emergency Services is asking for your help to estimate the flooding and rain damage in our region caused by the recent series of storms.


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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

East County News Service

Photo, left, by Alex Tardy, National Weather Service: car is swept away by floodwaters beneath overpass in Fashion Valley, where the river topped flood stage at 13 feet yesterday morning.

January 17, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – Torrential rains that doused our region caused roadway flooding and rockslides, filled reservoirs, and resulted in multiple rescues.  Here are photos, provided by our readers, social media users, and public agencies.


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FLOODING, MUDSLIDES, AND HIGH WINDS ROCK COUNTY

By Miriam Raftery

January 16, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – Flood watches and warnings are in effect across San Diego County this morning.

Multiple roadways across our region are flooded, with others blocked by mudslides, rocks and debris:

  • Wildcat Canyon Rd. in Lakeside is blocked by a mudslide/rockslide in the 3000 block. Avoid area.
  • Lower Honey Springs Rd. in Jamul is flooded at the dip. Do not attempt to cross.
  • Highway 94 from 188 to Barrett lake road was closed due to a large bolder blocking both lanes. It's now reopened at 188, with opening at Barrett and near Otay Lakes pending.
  • A boulder and debris are blocking Fuerte Drive at Lemon Ave. on Mt. Helix.
  • Rock slides are blocking State Route 78 at Wynola Rd. near Julian.
  • Boulders are across the roadway at State Route 78 and Chihuhua Rd. near Warner Springs.
  • A wind advisory has been issued on I-8 east of Tavern Rd. in Alpine to the Imperial County line.
  • The National Weather Service warns to avoid the San Diego River area through Mission Valley and Fashion Valley, which surpassed flood stage this morning as 12.8 feet and is forecast to reach 13.2 feet this afternoon. Roads to avoid include Fashion Valley Rd., Avenida Del Rio, Camio Del Este, Camino Del La Reina and Mission Center Rd. Fashion Valley transit center is closed.
  • A swiftwater rescue was conducted this morning along Otay Lakes Rd. due to flooding.

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TIPS TO DRIVE SAFELY, AVOID FLOODING IN RAINY CONDITIONS

By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office

January 10, 2023 (San Diego) - The San Diego County’s Department of Public Works (DPW) road division and the Office of Emergency Services remind residents to drive safely and be flood ready.


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CALTRANS ACTIVATES STATEWIDE ELECTRONIC HIGHWAY SIGNS DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER

Source: Caltrans

January 4, 2023 (Sacramento) -- In response to the oncoming powerful storm, this morning Caltrans activated approximately 1,200 electronic highway signs statewide to display urgent safety messaging. 


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DANGEROUS STORMS SET TO BUFFET REGION, WEATHER SERVICES ISSUES RARE HIGH SURF ADVISORY

By Miriam Raftery

January 4, 2023 (San Diego) – A series of powerful Pacific Storms and atmospheric rivers are set to douse our region starting tomorrow morning, as well as most other areas of California.  The National Weather Service issued a rare high surf warning; waves up to 13 feet are forecast along San Diego beaches, along with coastal and urban flooding possible.  High tide Thursday will be in the mid-afternoon, when marine hazards will be significant. The public is advised to avoid all area beaches and boaters should stay off the water.

Countywide, heavy rainfall and winds up to 60 miles per hour in mountains and deserts are also forecast, with snow above 6,000 feet, making commutes difficult countywide. The storms are expected to be so severe on Thursday, Jan. 5 that CalTrans has activated freeway signs statewide warning motorists to stay home and avoid driving.  This week’s storms could dump two to five inches of rain in our mountain areas.  A flood watch is in effect for much of California.

But that’s just the beginning – since five atmospheric rivers are slated to hit Southern California through January 9 – and the fifth is forecast to be the most intense.

“This is a prolonged period of rain expected through Mid-January,” says Alex Tardy with the National Weather Service in San Diego.


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WINTER STORMS TO CONTINUE IN FIRST WEEK OF NEW YEAR, SNOW TONIGHT IN MOUNTAINS

By Miriam Raftery

January 1, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 10 p.m. tonight due to a winter storm bringing rain across the county, with snow forecast above 5,500 feet. Ice, snow and fog could make travel difficult at higher elevations. Gusty winds are also forecast.

Stormy weather will continue for most of the week. The National Weather Service predicts a chance of showers each day, with rain likely on Monday night, Tuesday night, and Wednesday night.  Be careful on rain-slicked roads and if traveling at higher mountain elevations, carry chains.


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SANDBAGS AVAILABLE FOR UPCOMING STORMS

By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office

December 30, 2022 (San Diego) - The County and CAL FIRE are offering sandbags to residents and businesses in the unincorporated areas as another round of storms prepares to hit the region on New Year’s Eve. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain and high winds.


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