East County News Service

Last week’s storms brought 6-10 inches of snow to our mountains with up to 1.5 inches in urban portions of our county.  Now, multiple new storms are moving into the area, with rain now falling across the region and multiple atmospheric rivers soon to drench  our region, with the heaviest rains Thursday, the National Weather Service predicts.   A flood watch has been issued now through Thursday afternoon for San Diego’s inland and coastal areas, including cities such as La Mesa, Santee, Poway, and Escondido as well as San Diego.  Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,  streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon could bring rainfall rates of .5 to 0.75 inches per hour, with up to an inch per hour possible in lower mountain areas, along with thunderstorms.  Two to three inches of snow are forecast at higher elevations locally. A winter storm warning will remain in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Friday morning.

By Miriam Raftery

January 31, 2024 (San Diego)—On the heels of last week’s severe storm, another atmospheric river is moving into our region, bringing widespread rain, mountain snow as low as 3,500 feet, gusty winds, cold temperatures and possible thunderstorms.  A flood watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for Thursday morning through Friday morning for San Diego County’s mountains, deserts and valleys, with potential for flooding in some urban and low-lying areas as well as along rivers and streams.

The NWS has also issued a wind advisory for valley areas, a high surf and small craft advisory for coastal areas where waves could reach 10 feet.

Mountains and foothills have a 60% chance of 2-4 inches, a 10% chance of 4-6 inches, and a 5% chance of over 6 inches of precipitation.  Deserts could receive as much as 2 or more inches of rain, with .5 to 1 inch likely.  Valleys and coastal areas have a50%chance of 1-2 inches, a 40% chance of 2-3 inches,and a 5% chance of over 4 inches.