February 27, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – A winter storm is due to hit our region tonight through Monday, bringing strong gusty winds to mountains and deserts. Possible thunderstorms are possible starting Sunday night, bringing rain and potentially heavy snowfall down to levels that may include Julian, Descanso and Pine Valley.
The Sheriff offered this reminder to motorists traveling in the mountains: Have a full tank of gas, water and food supplies in case you are stranded in traffic for several hours. Have snow chains for areas where they will be required. Public restroom facilities are limited...Be mindful of areas that are private property which are marked by signs and fences. Private property is off limits to the public for recreational snow activities.
Parking violations will be enforced and citations will be issued. Vehicles blocking roadways and private property will be towed. Be aware of increased law enforcement activity to handle the large crowds.
January 2, 2015 (Julian)--This week’s snowstorm transformed much of East County into a winter wonderland.
Nine inches of snow fell in Julian and a full foot blanketed the top of Mount Laguna, with several inches all the way down to Descanso, KNSJ’s home town.
The road to Julian has been ploughed and cleared for travel – but over this holiday weekend, that’s led to traffic jams as snow-loving San Diegans headed to the mountains.
December 31, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – A thick blanket of snow has fallen across much of San Diego’s inland region, transforming the terrain into a winter wonderland this New Year’s Eve. Lindy Klengler sent photos taken at her Hidden Meadows home in Escondido at just 1700 feet elevation, showing snow around her swimming pool and atop palm trees. “Been here 22 years and never had this happen,” she says.
Melody Munoz and Donna Tisdale sent photos from Boulevard, where three to four inches of snow fell overnight and the temperature on New Year’s morning is a chilly 21 degrees. Snow has also blanketed Descanso and coated landmarks in Jacumba.
Julian received 9 inches of snow and on Mt. Palomar, 12 inches—a foot—has fallen, according to the National Weather Service. ECM news partner 10 News observes that level “beats Big Bear!”
December 29, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning from 4 p.m. Tuesday night until 4 p.m. Wednesday for areas above 2,000 feet in elevation – though a dusting of snow could dip down to just 1,000 feet in some areas.
The storm, originating in Canada with very cold temperatures, could dump up to a foot of snow at elevations over 3,000 feet and 1 to 5 inches between 2,000 and 3,000 feet. Two to seven inches are forecast in high desert regions.
December 26, 2014 (San Diego)—The National Weather Service is forecasting frost for the next two nights, through early Sunday morning. Saturday is expected to be the coldest nights.
There will be areas of frost and freezing temperatures in San Diego County’s valleys and deserts. In addition, frost is also forecast for the north coast, particularly Oceanside.
December 15, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--A dip in the jet stream along the West Coast is bringing more wet weather starting Monday night through early Thursday this week. The heaviest rain will be Tuesday morning and again Wednesday morning, with thunderstorms possible on Wednesday, the National Weather Service predicts.
Snow is forecast to fall in the mountains, with snow levels falling as low as 4500 feet by Wednesday. A total of 6-12 inches could pile up above 5500 feet by Wednesday night, which includes Mount Laguna here in East County.
December 11, 2014 (San Diego) – A powerful storm is set to drench our region, bringing torrential downpours of up to a half inch of rain per hour. A flash flood watch has been issued through late Friday night, with highest risk in areas burned by recent wildfires including the Cocos Fire. Dangerous surf conditions will occur along the coast. Strong rip currents are forecast, with waves of 7 to 14 feet Friday and Saturday.
December 1, 2014 (San Diego) – The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for Tuesday and early Wednesday in San Diego County’s mountain, valley and coastal areas.
Mountains and recent burn areas will have the greatest threat pontetial with up to five inches of rain forecast; be prepared for flooding and debris flows. Moderate to heavy rain in coastal and valley areas will produce urban flooding in flood-prone low-lying areas and streets with poor drainage.
November 26, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)—Grab the galoshes and fill up your sandbags—a deluge is set to soak our region early next week. Moderate to heavy rains are forecast—along with possible flash flooding and snow.
National Weather Service forecaster Alex Tardy predicts up to five inches of precipitation in some mountain locations, with heavy snowfall possible above 6,000 feet.
A red flag warning for fire danger is now in effect through Wednesday at 6 p.m. in San Diego’s mountain and inland region. Santa Ana winds with gusts up to 80 miles per hour are forecast.
SDG&E shut off power proactively due to the high winds and fire danger Monday night, leaving about 90 residents in Descanso, Cuyamaca and Boulder Creek without power, ABC 10 News reports. Restoration is expected this morning.
November 4, 2014 (San Diego) -- With strong, gusty winds and low humidity in the forecast, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag warning effective immediately for the inland valleys and mountains. The warning is expected to last until 5 p.m. on Thursday night.
Santa Ana winds of 20-30 miles per hours are forecast, with gusts up to 55 miles per hour in places. The Santa Ana Wildfire Threat Index for San Diego (Zone 3) indicates that the threat will peak on Wednesday with a threat rating of moderate.
Hurricane Odile has struck the coast of Baja California, Mexico in Cabo San Lucas at record speeds of 125 miles per hour as a category 3 hurricane. Up to 11 inches per hour were reported in the tourist resort town, according to CNN.
As Odile moves north, it is not expected to make landfall near San Diego. However moisture from the system could bring significant rainfall across our region Wednesday and Thursday, the National Weather Service Reports. The risk of flash flooding will also increase by mid week.
By Miriam Raftery, photos by Danielle Cook and Wayne Brammer
September 7, 2014 (Jacumba Hot Springs)—This high desert town in San Diego’s East County is normally characterized by dry washes. But tonight around 7:30 p.m., the town’s Centennial Committee chair Danielle Cook reports, “I received a call a half hour ago from another Jacumba resident, Bill Pape, saying to "get down to the bridge right away, there is a flash flood here and about 20 of us are gathering to watch it.”
September 7, 2014 (San Diego's East County)--The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for San Diego’s mountains and deserts this Sunday and Monday.
A surge of deep monsoonal moisture around tropical cyclone Norbert off the Baja coast will bring a high threat of showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoons both days.
There is potential for three inches of rain and flash flooding, with greatest risk below desert slopes and recently burned areas.
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.
August 2, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for mountains and deserts in East County. Flooding is already occurring this afternoon on portions of Highway 79, S-2 and S-22 due to thunderstorms. Impacted areas thus far include Borrego Springs, Banner Grade, Julian, Ocotillo Wells, Ranchita, Santa Ysabel, Shelter Valley and Warner Springs.
Thunderstorms with heavy rain will continue through Sunday evening, producing runoff expected to cause more flooding especially along mountain streams, desert washes and recently burned areas.
July 25, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)- A hazardous weather warning remains in effect through tonight across our region, with high temperatures expected to continue through this weekend, cooling slightly.
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.
July 4, 2014 (San Diego)—The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for San Diego County’s mountains and deserts through early evening. In addition, the NWS warns of strong rip current in San Diego’s coastal areas today through Monday.
The urban and small stream flood advisory remains in effect for Warner Springs, Ranchita, and the Felipe burn area northeast of Julian until 6:45 p.m.
June 29, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) -- The San Diego region ends the first six months of this year with just over 5 inches of rain – less than half of normal.
If you’re planning some outdoor activities over the Fourth of July holiday, the weather forecast is warm and sunny, with temperatures about 5 degrees above normal through the end of this week.
May 15, 2014 (San Diego) – High temperatures are forecast to continue this weekend, cooling off early next week. Today, sunny weather with a higher of 105 a low of 62 is forecast. A red flag warning for high fire danger continues through 5 p.m. this evening. Friday and Saturday will be sunny with a high of 96 on Friday and a high of 84 on Saturday; lows are forecast around 56 degrees both days.
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.
April 25, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for mountains and deserts in San Diego County and other inland areas in Southern California. Dangerous gusts of 70 miles per hour or more are possible. The warning is in effect today through Saturday evening.
Rain is also forecast, along with snow at elevations over 4,500 feet.
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.
February 26, 2014 (San Diego)--It’s been one of the driest winters on record, but finally some significant rain is headed our way.
Once again the County of San Diego is making free sand and bags available to residents in the unincorporated areas. Residents just need to bring their own shovel.
Locations are below, along with links to find updates on road conditions during this storm and other emergencies.
February 27, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – A severe storm front moving across Southern California is forecast to bring heavy rains and flooding to San Diego County including coastal and inland regions. Waves up to 15 feet high are forecast along San Diego beaches this weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch, forecasting over an inch an hour and a high wind watch is now in effect.
The greatest threat for flash flooding will be over mountains and recent burn areas with debris flow possible, as well as in urban areas with poor drainage. In addition, possible major coastal flooding may occur during high tides on Saturday. Rough surf and storm rip currents are forecast from Friday through early Sunday.
Photo, left: 2013 storm in East County's Boulevard community
February 27, 2014 (San Diego)-- As San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) crews prepare for periods of heavy rain, gusty winds and scattered lightning to continue, the utility is reminding customers to be on alert and prepare for unplanned power outages.
“As the region prepares for much-needed rainfall, SDG&E crews are ready to respond to any impacts the weather may have on our electrical system,” said David L. Geier, vice president of electric operations for SDG&E. “We’re committed to providing reliable electricity service to our customers but sometimes unexpected power outages may occur, especially during storms and high winds.”
The utility reminds customers to follow the following storm safety tips:
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.
January 6, 2014 (San Diego's East County) -- If you’re traveling outside of our area, you may have a long wait. Over 3,000 flights have been cancelled nationwide due to an extreme cold front known as a polar vortex.
The severe weather system is breaking all records, with temperatures dipping to a frosty 68 degrees below zero in the Midwest, also bringing icy cold weather to the northeast and the South. Atlanta Georgia was colder than Moscow today ad Memphis, Tennessee was chillier than Anchorage Alaska.
nd food supplies in case you are stranded in traffic for several hours. Have snow chains for areas where they will be required. Public restroom facilities are limited...Be mindful of areas that are private property which are marked by signs and fences. Private property is off limits to the public for recreational snow activities.
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