By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

September 7, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- We all face storms in life. They say those are the association dues for being alive. But there is a different storm brewing out there, monsoon season that brings flashfloods storms. It is important to start thinking about these rare storms because this is the season!

As firefighters we know the power of water. “We have some of the best apparatus capable of pumping thousands of gallons of water per minute during fires. In this capacity, water saves lives and property—it is essential to protecting our communities,” says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.”

But a different power of water is Flashfloods. They are the number one storm-related killed in the United States.

Eighty percent (80%) of flood deaths occur in vehicles, and most happen when drivers make a single, fatal mistake – trying to navigate through floodwaters.

Do you know what 6 – 12 and 18 add up to? Danger!

August 21, 2020 (San Diego's East County) -- The National Weather Service has detected dangerous thunderstorms across portions of East County. A flash flood warning is in effect now through late this afternoon for areas in and around Pine Valley, Boulevard, Mount Laguna and Cuyamaca.

Move to high ground immediately if you are in these areas.

December 6, 2018 (San Diego) -- The National Weather Service has issued flash flood watchings, warnings and advisories across our region. A flash flood warning, the most severe alert, is in effect now through 8:30 p.m. for  Chula Vista, Descanso, El Cajon, National City, La Mesa, Poway, Imperial Beach, Ramona, Coronado, Alpine , portions of the San Diego city  limits, and Mission Valley.  An advisory is in effect for a broader area spanning the entire county from coasts to deserts.

Thunderstorms are producing heavy rain across the warned area.  A half to nearly an inch of rain has already fallen with another inch or more expected. 

Do not attempt to drive across a flooded roadway and stay indoors during thunder and lightning.