Weather

Weather

NEW STORM FORECAST THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Alex Tardy, National Weather Service San Diego

February 28, 2018 (San Diego) -- Another winter storm is set to swoop in Thursday night through Saturday from the Pacific Northwest, bringing potentially heavy rain and more mountain snow.  Winds could pick up too through mountain passes and desert slopes, too.


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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: SNOW AT LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 27, 2018 (Alpine) -- Bobbi Brink at Lions, Tigers and Bears posted photos of the exotic wildlife at her rescue sanctuary in Alpine reacting to today's heavy snowfall, including a pair of lions, a white tiger, and a rescued bobcat.

Enjoy the views!


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SNOW BLANKETS MOUNTAIN TOWNS

 

 

 

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 27, 2018 (San Diego's East County) -- The National Weather Service forecasts that up to a foot and a half of snow could fall on Mount Laguna by tonight.  As of noon today, over five inches had been recorded at the peak. In Julian, over six inches have fallen.

"This storm is not like anything I’ve seen up here. Sun and snow are going back and forth…and nobody gets anywhere," says Bobbi Zane, who sent us the photos above.  "It’s been snowing all day, then the sun comes out and everything melts, then the snow stars coming down again. I had someone drive on my driveway so I can get my car out. By the time he finished, it had started snowing again. No using the car today!"


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SNOW AT LOW ELEVATIONS FORECAST

 

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

February 25, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – A cold front is forecast to bring snow down as low as 2,500 feet in East County on Monday and Tuesday, potentially dropping up to six inches on Mount Laguna as well as two to four inches in Julian.  

Smaller amounts of snow could fall on Ramona and communities east of Alpine along Interstate 8, such as Pine Valley, Japatul and Descanso, so check weather reports and carry chains if driving in the mountains during these winter weather conditions. Mountain areas along State Route 94 in the Potrero/Tecate divide area could also be impacted.


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GOING TO THE SNOW? READ THIS FIRST

 

Source: San Diego Sheriff

February 21, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- Due to this week's winter storm, there is the possibility of snowfall in San Diego County Mountain areas including Julian, Pine Valley and Descanso.

For those planning to head out to the mountains, the Sheriff's Department wants to remind you to be prepared. Be sure to check road conditions before heading out. Have a full tank of gas, water and food supplies in case you are stranded in traffic since this region is known for “snow jams.”


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COLD SPELL SETS RECORDS AND CLOSES SCHOOLS: FROST WARNING EXTENDED

 

East County News Service

February 20, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- Frigid weather across our region caused closure of schools in the Julian and Warner Springs areas on Tuesday.  A frost warning has been extended through Wednesday morning.

The cold front brought record low temperatures, according to the National Weather Service, including a chilly 23 degrees Tuesday at Ramona in East County’s mountains and 35 degrees in coastal Oceanside.


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DESERT WILDFLOWER SEASON WILTING WITHOUT RAIN

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 13, 2018 (Borrego Springs) – Last year, visitors flocked to Anza-Borrego Desert for a superbloom – the most spectacular wildflower season in memory.  But expectations are wilting for this year’s wildflowers due to lack of rainfall.


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RED FLAG WARNING SATURDAY THROUGH MONDAY

 

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

January 26, 2018 (San Diego) -- The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning due to high fire danger.  The warning is in effect from Saturday evening through Monday afternoon for all mountains and valleys across Southern California.

Gusty Santa Ana winds, low humidity and temperatures west of the mountains that could be 10 to 22 degrees above normal all contribute to the elevated risk risk.


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FEMA ENCOURAGES TSUNAMI AWARENESS AND PREPAREDNESS FOR COASTAL COMMUNITIES

 

East County News Service

January 24, 2018 (Washington D.C.) --  Following an intense earthquake that occurred in the Gulf of Alaska yesterday, which prompted tsunami watches, advisories and warnings across many state coastlines, FEMA continues to highlight safety tips for those who live in or visit coastal communities.  While today’s immediate threat has passed, the situation serves as a reminder to all that there are steps that can be taken now, to prepare for future events.


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HIGH SURF ADVISORY

 

East County News Service

January 17, 2018 (San Diego) -- The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory for Friday through Saturday, when waves as high as 12 feet and dangerous rip currents are forecast. This high surf will be very dangerous, especially for inexperienced swimmers.


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NEW STORMS HEAD TOWARDS OUR REGION

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 15, 2018 (San Diego) — A new storm will move into San Diego later this week, though precipitation is expected to be lighter than last week’s heavy downpour, but with hazards in coastal areas and some snow in the mountains locally.


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STORMS CAUSE DEADLY LANDSLIDES IN SANTA BARBARA, DUMP UP TO 6 INCHES OF RAIN IN SAN DIEGO’S MOUNTAINS

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Montecito mudslide, courtesy Santa Barbara Fire Dept.

January 11, 2018 (San Diego’s East County)— In Santa Barbara County, heavy rains turned to tragedy when mudslides caused burned hillsides to collapse, killing at least 17 people in Montecito, where 43 more remain missing as a desperate search for survivors continues.

But here in San Diego, this week’s rains brought welcome relief from an unusually dry winter.


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FLOOD ADVISORY THROUGH 7 PM

January 9, 2018, 4:30 p.m. -- The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued an Areal Flood Advisory for San Diego County until 7:00 PM.

Doppler radar indicated moderate to heavy rain moving through San Diego County, especially the northwestern sections. This will likely cause urban and small stream flooding in the advisory area from the mountains west to the coast. Rainfall rates of up to one-half inch per hour could locally occur.

Some locations that will likely experience flooding include Chula Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, El Cajon, Vista, Encinitas, National City, La Mesa, Poway, portions of the San Diego city limits, North Park, Hillcrest and Midway District Including Lindbergh Field.


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RAIN BRINGS URBAN RUNOFF TO COUNTY BEACHES: AVOID SWIMMING OR SURFING NEXT THREE DAYS

 

East County News Service

January 9, 2018 (San Diego) -- The Department of Environmental Health has issued a General Advisory for the coastal waters of San Diego County due to recent rainfall. Swimmers, surfers, and other ocean users are warned that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters, especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers, and lagoon outlets that discharge urban runoff. Urban runoff may contain large amounts of bacteria from a variety of sources such as animal waste, soil, and decomposing vegetation. While many coastal storm drains within San Diego County are permanently posted with white metal warning signs, additional temporary warning signs are not posted for General Advisories. Activities such as swimming, surfing and diving should be avoided in all coastal waters for 72 hours following rain. This includes all coastal beaches and all of Mission Bay and San Diego Bay. Elevated bacteria levels can persist after a rainstorm depending upon the intensity of the storm, volume of runoff and ocean and current conditions. 


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FLOODING, CRASHES AND DEBRIS ON ROADWAYS

 

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

January 9, 2018 (9:45 a.m.) There are multiple hazards to report this morning per the CHP on East County roadways, including:

  • Lemoncrest in Lakeside is closed  from Wintergarden Blvd. to Riverview due to flooding in the 12028 block.
  • A high-wind advisory is in effect for I-8 east of Alpine and high-profile vehicles are not advised to travel here.
  • Mapleview at Pine in Lakeside is also flooded.
  • Debris is reported on I-8 west of the Sweetwater bridge in spring Valley.
  • In Ramona, there is roadway flooding at Hanson Lane and Wilson
  • A rockslide has been reported on Japatul Road with large boulders the size of deer; CHP is working to determine exact location of this slide called in.
  • A boulder half the size of a tire is reported in the left lane of Arnold Way at Tavern Road in Alpine.
  • A multi-car accident has occurred on I-8 west at Fletcher Parkway.

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CAL FIRE AND COUNTY FIRE DEPLOY SWIFTWATER RESCUE TEAM IN PREPARATION FOR POWERFUL STORM

 

East County News Service

January 8, 2018 (Ramona) -- With the expected arrival of the strongest storm to hit the region since last winter’s record breaking rainfall, County Fire and CAL FIRE San Diego are taking steps to ensure that they are prepared for any weather-related incidents this week.

County officials expect the heaviest rain to arrive early Tuesday and anticipate it impacting the morning commute. As a result, San Diego County Fire will be activating a swift water rescue team which will be prepositioned in the Ramona area that will be available for immediate response to any portion of the county should the need arise. In addition to the swift water rescue team,CAL FIRE San Diego will have hand crews available for flood fighting operations.


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RAIN. HAIL AND SNOW FORECAST FOR EARLY NEXT WEEK

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 6, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – The first significant Pacific storm of the season is forecast to hit our region Monday night through Wednesday morning, bringing up to four inches of rain to mountain areas along with snow above 4,500 feet.  Thunderstorms, hail and gusty winds are also predicted.


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RAIN FINALLY COMING; GOT SANDBAGS?

 

It’s been a dry winter so far around San Diego County, but National Weather Service officials say we may be in for some rain early next week.

So this weekend would be a good time to pick up some free sandbags to help protect your home, property and neighborhood from the weather.


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FROST ADVISORY FOR DESERT AREAS

 

East County News Service

December 22, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a frost advisory for tonight that includes inland desert regions in San Diego County. Temperatures could reach as low as 25 degrees in some places.

Pet owners are advised to bring pets inside tonight and to bring in or cover plants sensitive to cold, such as tropical plants or citrus.


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FIRE WEATHER RETURNS

 

 

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

December 13, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - A red flag warning for high fire danger is in effect today through Thursday. In addition, the National Weather Service is forecasting strong Santa Ana winds this weekend over the mountains, foothills and passes in San Diego County. Wind gusts could reach 50 to 60 miles and hour with sustained easterly or northeasterly winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour.


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HAZARDOUS FIRE WEATHER CONTINUES THIS WEEKEND: RED FLAG AND HIGH WIND WARNINGS EXTENDED THROUGH SUNDAY

 

East County News Service

 

December 8, 2017 (San Diego) -- Santa Ana winds will continue this weekend, the National Weather Service advises.  This will combine with very low humidity (5-10% minimums during the days away from the coast and poor nighttime recovery) to bring hazardous fire weather conditions. A red flag warning has been extended until 8 p.m. Sunday from the mountains west to the coast.


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WINDS TOPPLE TREES, TIP OVER TRUCKS

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 7, 2017 (San Diego) -- High winds roaring through San Diego County today have wreaked havoc. 

In Carlsbad, a tree fell onto an elderly man and killed him.  Santa Ana winds knocked a semi-truck and trailer onto their sides on I-8 east, shortly before high winds forced closure of I-8 east of Alpine.  A sign truck was nearly blown off the towering Pine Valley Bridge.  In Lakeside the community Christmas tree toppled over; Lakeside's Chamber of Commerce posted a photo on Facebook, vowing to restore it after the winds die down.

Strong winds also led SDG&E to shut off power to thousands of homes in communities across the region, with some slated to be without power for days.


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SDGE WARNS 170,000 TO BE PREPARED FOR POWER OUTAGES AS HIGH WINDS HIT AREA

Public urged to use caution to avoid infernos like those scorching Los Angeles and Ventura

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Thirdiphoto: Skirball Fire created hellacious conditions that shut down the 405 freeway today near the Getty Museum in Los Angeles.

December 6, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – High winds fueling devastating fires in Los Angeles are set to hit San Diego County tomorrow, with gusts of 70 mph or more in some areas. Currently no fires are burning in San Diego County, though smoke from a fire in Mexico is visible near the border.  But the situation could turn perilous quickly if new fires start.  National Weather Forecaster Alex Tardy says Santa Ana winds could blow a fire in the inland area all the way to the coast.


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RED FLAG WARNING: CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER

 

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

Updated December 4, 2017

December 2, 2017 (San Diego) – The National Weather Service in San Diego is warning of prolonged, critical fire conditions in all areas of our county starting Monday morning through the end of the week. 

A red flag alert is in effect for coastal, mountain and valley areas through Thursday due to low humidity, above average temperatures and strong offshore winds.  A high wind warning has also been issued, with Santa Ana winds at 20 to 30 miles per hour and gusts up to 55 miles an hour forecast.


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FIRE WEATHER FORECAST

East County WIldfire and Emergency Alerts

November 22, 2017 (San Diego's East County) -- Elevated fire conditions are forecast for today, continuing on Thanksgiving.  While conditions should cool over the weekend, fire danger returns Monday due to extremely hot, dry conditions and Santa Ana winds, the National Weather Service predicts.

 Already this Thanksgiving week,  many places in San Diego County have experienced record-breaking temperatures for the season. Highs reached into the 90s in El Cajon, Ramona, Escondido and other local communities.


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WARM THANKSGIVING FORECAST

 

East County News Service

November 20, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Your turkey in the oven won’t be the only thing warming up this Thanksgiving.  The National Weather Service predicts warm, dry weather through the holiday weekend—with record temperatures likely Wednesday and Thursday, Thanksgiving Day.


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COOL WEATHER, POSSIBLE RAIN IN FORECAST

 

East County News Service

October 29, 2017 (San Diego) – Weary of warm weather? Relief is on the horizon.  The National Weather Service predicts much cooler weather this week through next weekend, with temperatures several degrees below normal.


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CAL FIRE INCREASES STAFFING IN PREPARATION FOR SANTA ANA WINDS

 

Source: CAL FIRE

October 20, 2017 (San Diego) -- As Firefighters in Northern California continue to make progress on 9 large wildfires burning across the State, the true magnitude of the devastation of loss of life and property is beginning to come to life.  This recent series of fires is the deadliest in California State History. Since the start of the October Fire Siege on October 8, there have been 21 major wildfires that burned over 245,000 acres, forced 100,000 people to evacuate, destroyed 6,900 structures and sadly took the lives of 42 people.    


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RED FLAG WARNING ISSUED FOR HIGH FIRE DANGER

 

 

East County Wildfire and Emergency Alerts

 

October 8, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for all of inland San Diego County as medium to strong Santa Winds bring very dry and windy weather to our region starting tonight through early Tuesday.  Critical fire weather conditions are likely in parts of coastal foothills, valleys and mountain passes.

Northeast winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts up to 55 miles per hour are forecast. This could bring power outages, broken tree limbs and debris on roadways as well as hazardous cross-winds for high-profile vehicles, so use caution if traveling.


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ELEVATED FIRE CONCERNS AS HOT, WINDY WEATHER ARRIVES

 

By Miriam Raftery

September 24, 2017 (San Diego) – Hot, windy weather is forecast this week, creating elevated fire concerns, the National Weather Service in San Diego advises.

Hottest weather will occur in inland valleys with temperatures up to 100 degrees.  There will also be gusty offshore winds of up to 35 miles per hour starting Sunday night and continue through at least Wednesday. 


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