By Roger Coppock



October 7, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) Everybody has heard of global warming. There is at least one article in the news every day. Scientists who study and write about global warming have reasons to say our Earth's near surface is on average warming.  All their instruments are in agreement. During most of the last couple of hundred years things have gotten hotter.

Photos, left, by Kathleen Hedberg:  Storm cell swoops toward La Mesa

By Miriam Raftery

September 16, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – A powerful storm lashed East County early Tuesday afternoon, causing major damage before moving across San Diego later in the day.  Thousands were left without power from at least 16 different outages in East County, SDG&E reported. Hardest hit areas included Rancho San Diego, Mt. Helix, La Mesa and Spring Valley.

Helix Water Board member Kathleen Hedberg captured dramatic images of the stormcell swooping toward her La Mesa home-- a downdraft from a thunderstorm that looked more like tornados seen in the Midwest than a typical southern California storm. Gusts of at least 50 miles per hour were reported, with coin-sized hailstones and sheets of rain pouring down.  It was all a result of Hurricane Odile which struck the Baja coast at 125 miles an hour, ,still packing a wallop by the time it reached our region.

Tips Available for Customers to Save Energy

Sept. 12, 2014 (San Diego)– As some of the hottest weather of the year approaches over the next several days, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is prepared to meet system demand with crews on standby if needed, and tips available for customers to save energy and avoid high bills caused by increased energy use.

East County News Service

September 3, 2014 (San Diego) – Tropical Storm Norbert, the remnants of a hurricane, will move northwest off the coast of Baja California this weekend, bringing thunderstorms to Southern California beginning early Sunday. Stormy weather could last through Tuesday, with the highest chance of thunderstorms in the mountains.

Update 2:45 p.m.: Viejas Grade in Alpine is closed at Willows due to an ATV accident with injuries.

Photo by Brett Staubaum: Smoke from Borrego tree farm fire and thunderheads overhead

August 21, 2014 (San Diego's East County)--The National Weather Service has issued two separate flash flood alerts due to thunderstorms in the East County.  This is the second day in a row of stormy weather; yesterday over 200 lightning strikes occurred countywide, including 95 on land and 129 over coastal waters.

The first storm cell today was reported about 23 miles south of Borrrego Springs, and the cell is nearly stations. It is producing flooding on sections of the S-1, (Sunrise Highway), as well as Pine Valley. Some of these areas were burned during the Chariot Fire, so there is a danger of mudslides as well. 

There is a second cell that is affecting I-8 and it is slowly moving towards the Mexican border. Both alerts are to remain in place until three this afternoon.

In addition, CHP reports a lightning fire in Borrego at the Borrego tree farm; a road closure in the area has been lifted now.

By Miriam Raftery

File photo: Thunderclouds over Lakeside, by Billy Ortiz

July 18, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) –  An upper level trough over the Gulf of California tonight will move northward across Northern Baja,  then sweep into Southern California tonight and Saturday.  Thunderstorms with dry lightning are possible on Saturday morning, mainly over the mountains. Heavy rain producing thunderstorms are more likely to occur during the afternoon and early evening hours.

 Lightning may ignite fires and heavy rain could produce localized flooding.  Downdraft wind gusts of 35 mph or more are possible during the storms.

Forecasters also warn of high heat next week, when a large area of high pressure will build over the West, bringing warming each day Tuesday through Thursday. By Wednesday and Thursday, maximum temps will be 5-10 degrees above average, soaring into triple digits in desert areas.

Lori Abbott, California News Service

June 18, 2014 (Sacramento)--The first day of summer may be on Saturday, but parts of California already have seen triple-digit heat this year - and more is on the way. With that in mind, health officials across the West are urging people to be careful in the potentially deadly heat.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Car on tree in San Diego, courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

April 30, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – High winds caused damage across East County today, with hurricane-force gusts up to 101 miles per hour  recorded on Sill Hill near Cuyamaca.  

In Buckman Springs, motorists trapped in a car beneath a fallen tree limb had to be rescued.  Interstate 8 east of Alpine was closed temporarily due to high winds. A fallen eucalyptus tree blocked Otay Lakes Road late this morning. Most tragically, a wind-whipped fire that scorched an acre near Plaza Bonita mall killed a person, whose burned body  was found near a transient camp.

Power outages occurred across East County. In Descanso, some residents were without power for 13 hours, from 6:30 a.m. until approximately 9:30 p.m., ECM correspondent Sharon Penny reports.

By Miriam Raftery

April 4, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--The National Weather Service is looking for CoCoRahs. That stands for Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow  Network, a nonprofit network of volunteer precipitation observers.All you need is a 4-inch rain gauge, the Internet, and a few minutes each day.

By Miriam Raftery

Some much-needed rain is forecast for Wednesday night and Thursday in San Diego County as a cold front from Alaska brings cooler weather and showers.

By Miriam Raftery

March 1, 2014 (San Diego) – Drought-parched San Diego got some relief over the past two days. The National Weather Service has released precipitation totals for the two days ending at 2:10 p.m. today.

More is due in Sunday, with thunderstorms, hail and gusty winds forecast and flooding possible due to already saturated ground.

Below are the totals for the past 48 hours:

By Miriam Raftery

Updated February 27, 2014 (San Diego) – A powerful storm is set to sweep into the region Thursday through Sunday, bringing some of the most severe weather seen in decades, weather experts predict.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning and a flash flood watch from late Thursday through Saturday night.  Thunderstorms may bring waterspouts or even tornadoes, most likely in coastal areas.

 Sustained winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts of 60 miles per hour or higher are forecast for mountain and desert areas in East County.   Blowing sand and dust may reduce visibility.

February 2, 2014 (San Diego’s East County )—An urgent winter weather message has been issued by the National Weather Service as a low pressure system sweeps into San Diego County bringing cold air, rain west of the mountains.  Two to four inches of snow are possible above 4000 to 4500 feet.  There is a chance of thunderstorms and over coastal areas, possible waterspouts tonight through Tuesday.

While rain is good news for our drought-parched state, a winter weather advisory means travelers may face difficulties. 

File photo: Sunrise Highway, Mount Laguna

A cold storm system sweeping into San Diego’s mountain regions Thursday afternoon is forecast to bring snow down to 3500 feet tonight, with several inches of snow expected at elevations above 4500 feet. Heavy rainfall is occurring across much of the county and hail may also occur.

The winter storm advisory remains in effect until 1 a.m. Friday morning.