East County News Service

July 18, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – A high pressure system moving into our region will bring monsoonal moisture capable of producing thunderstorms, heavy downpours, high winds and flash flooding starting Sunday through at least Wednesday. The storms are mainly expected to impact the mountain and desert regions.

East County News Service

June 12, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- An excessive heat warning remains in effect through today. The heat wave which prompted an excessive heat wave on Tuesday brought record-breaking temperatures across East County. So how hot was it?

East County News Service

March 17, 2019 (San Diego) – The current warm and sunny weather will end Tuesday evening, when rain, snow showers and strong winds are forecast.  The storm is predicted to drop a quarter to a half inch of rain on most parts of San Diego County, with up to an inch on Palomar Mountain but less than a quarter inch in Borrego Springs.

While Friday is expected to be dry, another storm system could hit our region again on Saturday or Sunday, says National Weather Service meteorologist James Brotherton.

East County News Service

February 22, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – “Yeah. I’m not going anywhere for a while,” Dave Hogan posted on Facebook. Snow outside his home between Pine Valley and Mt. Laguna measured over 19 inches.

Update 10:38 a.m.  -- CHP is now escorting vehicles on I-8 between Alpine and the county line. Expect delays.

February 22, 2019 (San Diego's East County) -- East County's mountain areas look like winter wonderlands, with two feet of snow atop Mt. Laguna and several inches or more in Julian (photo, left, webcam in downtown Julian). 

But winter conditions have wreaked havoc with motorists. After many vehicles incuding a semi-truck and a school bu skidded on icy conditions along Interstate 8, authorities shut down I-8 from Alpine to the County line last night. It remains closed this morning, though the CHP has been escorting stranded motorist through the area. 

East County News Service

Photo: Rare winter snowfall in Ramona in 2011, by Mike Mulligan

February 20, 2019 (San Diego's East County) -- A storm tonight coupled with a cold front is forecast to drop snow as low as 1,500 to 2,500 feet, the National Weather Service predicts. That could mean rare snowfalls in Ramona, Alpine, or even atop Cowles Mountain.  At higher elevations, 2 to 5 inches are forecast above 3,000 feet in areas such as Julian and Descanso, 6 to 12 inches above 5,000 feet including Mount Laguna and Palomar Mountain, and  12 to 16 inches above 6,500 feet including Cuyamaca Peak.

The storm is expected to bring rainfall of .25 to 1 inch to San DIego County's coastal and desert areas. A frost warning has been issued for Thursday and Friday morning.

East County News Service

Photo: Sunrise HIghway, courtesy of the California Highway Patrol

Update 11:40 a.m. -- Update: SR-79 is now open from I-8 to SR-78 into Julian. Chains are not required.Sunrise Highway is open from Olde Highway to MPM 27.5 chains are still mandatory, per the CHP.

February 18, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – A new storm slated to pummel our region Wednesday night through Friday morning will bring more snow and blustery winds, possibly dropping the snow level as low as 2,000 feet.  That would include areas such as Ramona, Campo, Descanso and possibly even Alpine and high desert areas. 

State Route 79 is still closed from Harvey Moore Trailhead (mile post marker 5) to SR-78. Sunrise Highway is closed from MPM 27.5 to SR-79. Sunrise Highway from MPM 27.5 south to Olde Hwy 80 is only open to vehicles with chains and chain requirements will strictly be enforced, CHP warns.

By Miriam Raftery

February 15, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – Yesterday’s Valentine’s Day storm dropped 10.10 inches of snow on Palomar Mountain, breaking a record of 9.58 inches set way back in 1901. The storm also brought sweet relief to drought-stricken Borrego Springs, dropping 2.68 inches of rain on the desert community.  Other new records included Ramona with 4.02 inches, Campo with 3.75 inches, and Alpine with 2.94 inches.

Lillian Trautman of El Cajon sent in the video above, showing her El Cajon yard turned into a rushing torrent of water.

By Miriam Raftery

February 13, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) --  A strong atmospheric river storm system with "pineapple connections" (Hawaii origin) will arrive tonight and bring periods of heavy rain late and thunderstorms tonight through Thursday. Mountains could receive 4 to 10 inches of rain, with 2 to 4 inches in valleys and coastal areas and up to an inch in the desert.

The National Weather Service advises that widespread heavy rainfall is expected across the entire area with potential for significant flooding of low lying, poor drainage, and urbanized areas with debris flows possible near recent burn scars. High winds will also be a concern in the mountains and deserts.

By East County Magazine

Photos: Laguna Mountain Lodge Faceboko page

February 6, 2019 (Laguna Mountain) – Five days of storms have blanketed local mountains including Mount Laguna with up to a foot of snow, the National Weather Service reports. Julian, Pine Valley and Descanso all received snow.  The storm also doused much of the county with heavy rains, including up to six inches in some locations.

If you’re considering a trip to frolic in the snow, check current road and weather conditions since tire chains may be required, and use caution on icy roads. Also check these resources:

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Storm systems driven by atmospheric river, courtesy National Weather Service

February 3, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – Three days of storms across San Diego have brought much-needed precipitation.  As of 9 a.m. Sunday morning, with more rain on the way, the National Weather Service reports  many portions of East County received two inches of rain or more.