Record Rainfall and Flooding Hits San Diego

San Diego hit by powerful Pacific storm, causing severe flooding and heroic rescues. Mayor declares state of emergency. Unusual weather explained.

San Diego was hit unexpectedly by a powerful Pacific front on Monday, the third in a series of storms that had been battering the West Coast since Friday. The National Weather Service declared it the wettest January day on record in San Diego, catching the city off guard with its intensity.

The impact of the storm was felt beyond San Diego, with neighboring Tijuana and northern Baja California experiencing severe flooding. United States Customs and Border Protection agents and San Diego Fire Department rescuers worked heroically to save at least eight migrants in the dire situation.

The intensity of the storm caused flooding at Navy Base San Diego and led to the closure of Interstate 15, a critical route to Las Vegas. This highlighted the vulnerability of even well-prepared military installations to the forces of nature.

In response to the crisis, Mayor Todd Gloria declared a state of emergency due to extreme rainfall and flash flooding, urging residents and visitors to stay off the roads. Schools in La Mesa and Spring Valley were closed as a precautionary measure.

The meteorological factors behind the storm were explained by NWS meteorologist Brandt Maxwell, who noted the absence of strong winds as the only missing element in this unusual weather equation.

Despite being below normal for the season, San Diego's rainfall received a significant boost from this single storm, surpassing the average annual total. With half the rainy season still ahead and an average annual rainfall of nearly 10 inches, this unexpected deluge may have brought some relief to the region's water reservoirs.

The unexpected intensity of the storm and its impact on the region's infrastructure and residents serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the need for preparedness in the face of extreme weather events. It also highlights the heroic efforts of emergency responders and the resilience of the community in the face of adversity.