By Miriam Raftery

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.

East County News Service

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.

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.

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.”

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.

East County News Service

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.

Thunderstorms are also moving across the region.

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.

By Cary Hyatt

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.

By Miriam Raftery

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.

County News Service

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.

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:

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.

By Miriam Raftery

December 7, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- A winter storm sweeping across East County has brought snow down to 4700 feet as of Saturday afternoon, with forecasts for two inches of snow down to 3500 tonight and flurries at lower elevations.  Sunrise Highway at Old Highway 80 is currently blocked by boulders/large rocks and other crashes are reported on I-8 near Dunbar Lane in Alpine and on Highway 94 near Dulzura.

Icy rain is occurring as of 4:30 p.m. in Alpine and fog is reported from Alpine to Buckman Springs. High winds are also hitting East County, with gusts up to 72 mph reported at Julian's Volcan Mountain. If driving in the mountains, carry chains, extra clothing and food.  Icy roads are likely tonight in mountains and even on  Interstate 8, so motorists are advised to use caution.

File photo: Cows in snow at Descanso, by Rebecca Masten

December 1, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Cold weather is forecast to sweep into our region on Tuesday, bringing rain countywide and snow down to elevations as low as 3500 feet by Wednesday.  Areas at or above 3500 feet include Julian, Cuyamaca, Pine Valley, Descanso, Boulevard, Mount Laguna, and Warner Springs.