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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: BIG CATS ENJOY SNOW IN ALPINE

East County News Service

December 17, 2022 (Alpine) – Rescued tigers at the Lions Tigers & Bears big cat and bear sanctuary in Alpine enjoyed last week’s snowfall.


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STORM TO BRING SHOWERS TO REGION, SNOW IN MOUNTAINS

By Miriam Raftery

File photo:  snow at Lake Cuyamaca

December 6, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – A storm system is bringing rain this week to area valleys and mountains. After last night’s rainfall, a new storm system will move in Tuesday, with light rains and colder weather. A dusting of snow is forecast as low as 4,500 in East County’s mountain communities.

Winds and wet weather may produce difficult driving conditions. Wind gusts could reach up to 55 miles per hour over mountain peaks and ridges, and through wind-prone canyons and passes. Use caution, particularly with high-profile vehicles.  Be prepared for delays and carry chains if driving at higher elevations.


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WINDS ROAR THROUGH EAST COUNTY MOUNTAINS

By Miriam Raftery

Updated 3 p.m. with new outage information

November 24, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – Gusty winds howled across East County’s mountains and rural region last night and early today, Thanksgiving morning.  Strong winds are forecast to continue through Friday.

The National Weather Service reports peak gusts as high as 89 miles per hour on Sill Hill near Descanso and 75 mph on Cuyamaca Peak in San Diego’s inland region between 10 p.m. last night and 10 a.m. today. Many other local areas had strong winds as well.

SDG&E reports outages in Campo, Dulzura, and Potrero with power restoration expected around 6 p.m. due to a foreign object hitting a power line, putting a damper on Thanksgiving cooking. In Granite Hills/Bostonia areas of El Cajon, outages have left people without power until an estimated 6 p.m. power restoration time. Two outages in the Julian, Wynola, Pine Hills and Santa Ysabel areas is due to have power restored around 5:30 p.m. Outages in East County have a 4 p.m. projected power restoration time. An earlier outage in Live Oak Springs, Boulevard and Jacumba, has been restored. Find out the latest outage info at to the SDG&E outage map.  


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: GET READY FOR THE WINDS!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

November 16, 2022 (San Diego) – ‘Tis the season for Santa Ana winds, starting this week in our region. Here are some wind safety tips.

The safest place to during high winds is indoors.


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STRONG SANTA ANA WINDS AND DRY CONDITIONS THIS WEEK

By Miriam Raftery

November 13, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service is forecasting strong Santa Ana winds Tuesday night through Wednesday in San Diego County’s mountains and deserts, along with dry conditions and below average temperatures.

Strong winds will produce difficult driving conditions for high profile vehicles. Loose or unsecured objects may be blown away. On Wednesday, peak gusts of 40-60 miles per hour are forecast, with isolated gusts up to 70 mph in windy passes and canyons.


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ATMOSPHERIC RIVER COULD DOUSE REGION

East County News Service

November 6, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – The second Pacific storm of the season will bring cold weather and heavy rainfall with potential for atmospheric river conditions this week, the National Weather Service predicts.


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EARLY SEASON STORM COULD BRING SNOW TO MOUNTAINS MID-WEEK; GUSTY WINDS ALSO FORECAST

By Miriam Raftery

October 31, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – Cooler weather is coming, with a chance of rain showers and snow showers in San Diego’s mountain areas from Wednesday morning through Thursday evening. Snow could fall to 4500 feet in elevation by Thursday, which could include Julian, Cuyamaca and Mount Laguna.


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FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS AND WATCHES ACROSS MOST OF EAST COUNTY TONIGHT

 
September 9, 2022 (San Diego) -- The National Weather Service has issued flash flood watches, warnings and advisories for most of San Diego’s East County and inland areas this evening.  

See map on this page and click for details:  https://www.weather.gov/sgx/
 Life-threatening flash flooding of creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses are occurring or imminent.  
 Flash flood warnings are in effect for Julian, Banner Grade, Highways 78 and 79, Santa Ysabel, Warner Springs, Cuyamaca, and Mount Laguna.  
 A flood watch is in effect for Santee, La Mesa, El Cajon, Poway, San Marcos, and Escondido.

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DANGEROUS STORM HITS REGION, WITH WINDS UP TO 109 MPH, POWER OUTAGES AND FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS

By Miriam Raftery

Photo via Twitter: Rockslide on I-8

September 9, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) --  Dangerously high winds and heavy rains from Tropical Storm have promoted the National Weather Service to issue a high wind warning in effect through midnight tonight. Flash flood warnings are also in effect in mountain and desert areas.

Gusts of 109 miles per hour were recorded on Cuyamaca peak today and Mount Laguna has received 2.94 inches of rain as of 1:15 p.m. Flash flooding is reported in Ocotillo.

Videos posted online show a rockslide on I-8 in East County, trees down near the Julian Post Office and at Lake Cuyamaca, trees or large limbs fallen in Pine Valley, Alpine and Boulevard.


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HURRICANE COULD BRING SIGNIFICANT RAIN; GET SANDBAGS FROM COUNTY, CAL FIRE

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

September 7, 2022 (San Diego) - Weather forecasters say a hurricane off the coast of Mexico could indirectly bring high winds with potentially heavy rain to the county this weekend, and County of San Diego and CAL FIRE are offering free sandbags to residents who live in the unincorporated areas.


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HEAT WAVE, HIGH FIRE DANGER TO LAST THROUGH WEDNESDAY

By Miriam Raftery

September 3, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – The sweltering heat wave, along with elevated fire conditions, will continue this Labor Day weekend through Wednesday.  According to the National Weather Service, “There is potential for large vertical plume growth with any new fires that develop, especially in the foothills and mountains… Hot weather with breezy afternoons could lead to easier fire starts and rapid growth.”

Thunderstorms are possible over inland mountains, valleys and deserts, with potential for dry lightning strikes which could ignite fires. Gusty winds are also forecast which could cause fires to spread quickly.


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NEED A FREE RIDE TO A COOL ZONE DURING HEAT WAVE? CALL 211

Source: San Diego County News Service

August 30, 2022 (San Diego) -- The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued an excessive heat warning due to triple digit temperatures forecast in much of East County and local deserts through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5.


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EXERCISE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR HIGH FIRE DANGER

By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office

 

August 30, 2022 (San Diego) - The National Weather Services has issued a prolonged heat wave through Labor Day and that creates an elevated fire risk.

 

County emergency officials are offering the following tips to reduce the fire risk.


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SCORCHING HEAT, HIGH FIRE RISK FORECAST STARTING TUESDAY

East County News Service

August 29, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) -- A long duration and high impact heat wave  with triple-digit temperatures is expected to begin Tuesday and last through at least Labor Day weekend, the National Weather Service predicts. 


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FLASH FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FOR EAST COUNTY

Flash Flood Warning for southeastern San Diego County today 8/8/22 4:31 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued a Flash Flood Warning for southeastern San Diego County until 7:30 p.m.

  • This storm may intensify, monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

Some locations that will experience life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses include: I-8 Between Pine Valley and Boulevard, I-8 Between Boulevard and Imperial County Line, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Pine Valley, Boulevard, Lake Morena, Campo, Hwy S2 Between Agua Caliente and Canebrake, Hwy S2 Between Canebrake and Imperial County Line, Hwy S2 Between Shelter Valley And Agua Caliente, Hwy S1 Between Lake Cuyamaca and Mount Laguna, Hwy S2, Potrero, Descanso, Manzanita Indian Reservation, La Posta Indian Reservation and Live Oak Springs.


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MOUNTAIN AND DESERT THUNDERSTORMS POSSIBLE IN NEXT FEW DAYS

By Miriam Raftery

July 24, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service is forecasting cooler temperatures and possible thunderstorms today through most of next week in San Diego County’s mountains and deserts.

Gusty winds, lightning, heavy rain and small hail may also occur with afternoon thunderstorms.  The odds are slight for today, but increase later in the week.


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EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING FOR DESERTS TODAY AND TOMORROW

July 21, 2022 (San Diego's East County) -- The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for San Diego County Deserts, starting at 11 a.m. today until Friday 7/22/22 at 8:00 p.m. Hot conditions with high temperatures of up to 116 degrees may be reached.

Borrego Springs Branch Library will be open as Cool Zone. For location information, hours of operation, and tips to beat the heat, visit: www.coolzones.org.


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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: LIGHTNING STORM

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 22, 2022 (Mt. Helix) -- Amy Payton took these dramatic images during last night's thunderstorm from her porch in Spring Valley overlooking state route 94 at Calavo.

Her photos show some spectacular lightning strikes over Mt. Helix in San Diego's East County.


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HEAT WAVE, FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS TODAY THROUGH SUNDAY

East County News Service

June 8, 2022 (San Diego) – A significant warming trend brings a heat wave to our region starting today through the weekend, along with elevated fire weather conditions due to heat and very low humidity. Winds with gusts up to 50 miles per hour over the mountains and deserts on Sunday will exacerbate wildfire dangers, the National Weather Service predicts.

Temperatures in the deserts could reach 110 to 115 degrees. Those without air conditioning, adequate hydration or who are engaged in strenuous outdoor activities will be at risk due to the high heat. Even nights will be warm, with low temperatures in the 80s.


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HEAT WAVE FORECAST: COOL ZONES AVAILABLE

By Miriam Raftery

May 12, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service forecasts a heat wave this weekend through early next week, with temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal in San Diego County’s inland areas.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: TEMPERATURES ARE RISING

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

May 8, 2022 (San Diego) -- There’s a new wave coming to town – HEAT! Temperatures will exceed triple digit in the deserts and things will be warming up around most all of Southern California.

Here are some safety tips to help you beat the heat:


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WARM AND WINDY WEATHER FORECAST, BUT COOL TEMPERATURES TO RETURN BY FRIDAY

East County News Service

April 16, 2022 (San Diego) – Gusty winds are forecast tonight through Friday, with temperatures heating up early this week.  Temperatures Monday could reach 95 to 100 degrees in the deserts. Tuesday through Friday, gusts as strong as 60 miles an hour are forecast in the mountains and deserts.

 

By Friday, however, rain is forecast across the region, along with cooler weather.


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COUNTY OPENS COOL ZONES, URGES PEOPLE TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS IN HEAT

County News Service

April 6, 2022 (San Diego) – With a heat advisory in effect through Friday evening, county health officials are urging residents to take precautions to avoid heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. San Diegans should also make sure vulnerable populations, especially children, older adults and pets, are protected.


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FIRE WEATHER AND HEAT WAVE HIT REGION

East County News Service

April 6, 2022 (San Diego) - High temperatures are forecast through Friday, combined with Santa Ana winds and low humidity for elevated fire weather. Inland areas are forecast to hit triple digits, reaching up to 102 degrees in the desert and in the high 90s in inland valleys, even near the coast Mountains will be slightly cooler in the low 80s.


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STORM BLANKETS EAST COUNTY MOUNTAIN AND HIGH DESERT COMMUNITIES IN SNOW; SOME ROADWAYS ARE CLOSED

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, right: Snow in In-Ko-Pah, by Greg Curran

February 23, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – A late winter storm brought much-needed rain across much of the county, also bringing heavy snowfall to Mt.Laguna and lesser amounts of snowfall to elevations as low as Campo, Descanso, Lake Morena and In-ko-pah. In addition, a freeze warning has been issued for valley areas tonight and a frost warning for coastal communities.

The snowstorm has caused traffic snarls on I-8, where at least 10 semi-trucks got stuck this morning, according to the California Highway Patrol. The road was cleared with snow ploughs by around 9 a.m. However, Sunrise Highway is closed due to snow between State Route 79 and mile marker 27.5 due to snow.

Chains are required to access the following roadways:


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SNOWSTORMS TO IMPACT I-8, CREATE WHITE-OUT CONDITIONS IN MOUNTAINS

By Miriam Raftery

File photo: Snow on Sunrise Highway, Mt. Laguna

February 21, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – A severe storm moving into our area is forecast to bring heavy rains across most of the county, along with high winds and substantial snow in mountain areas today through Wednesday.  Snowfall is forecast to dip below 4,000 feet, including portions of Interstate 8 east of Alpine.

Mount Laguna could get up to a foot and a half of snow, with six to eight inches forecast for Julian.  The blizzard could create white-out conditions in snowy areas, so avoid travel if possible. Frost is forecast for some valley areas including Ramona and Escondido.

Gusts of up to 70 miles per hour are forecast in mountains and in desert areas such as Borrego and Ocotillo Wells.


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DROUGHT WORRIES RETURN AFTER DRIEST JANUARY AND FEBRUARY IN CALIFORNIA HISTORY

By Rachel Becker, CalMatters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

Photo:  Lake Mendocino in Northern California in late October. Courtesy Department of Natural Resources

February 20, 2022 (San Diego) - The first two months of 2022 are shaping up to be the driest January and February in California history, prompting state officials to warn of dire water conditions ahead. 


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HIGH WINDS ADVISORY ISSUED FOR THURSDAY

February 16, 2022 (San Diego's East County) -- The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for Thursday, Feb. 17 from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. in San Diego County’s mountains and valleys. 

Gust up to 50 miles per hour are forecast.


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WILD WINDS IN ALPINE

By Miriam Raftery

February 13, 2022 (Alpine) – High winds howled through Alpine this week, causing damage to homes over multiple days.

In the Loving Life Alpine group on Facebook, residents posted descriptions and photos, including some also sent to ECM via email.

 

Brandon Hamilton came home on Thursday, February 10th  to find his propane barbecue submerged in his swimming pool. (photo, left)   

His post prompted quips from neighbors who posted quips about a BBQ pool party and a need for snorkels.

 

Elizabeth Livingston wrote, “Lost all of my carport.” Her damage occurred on Sunday, February 6, she told ECM. (photo, right)

 

Lisa Dawn Reese described the scenario as “hurricane force winds.”


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WINDS, SNOW FLURRIES FORECAST

By Miriam Raftery

January 29, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – Snow flurries, scattered rainfall and strong winds are forecast this afternoon and tonight in San Diego County’s mountains, creating hazardous travel conditions.  Adverse weather conditions are also forecast later in the week across our region.

Tuesday through Friday, expect moderate west winds for mountains, deserts and coastal waters with potential for yet another Santa Ana winds period Wednesday through Friday.


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