Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding Prompt Closures and Rescues Across San Diego County
ICARO Media Group
In Response to heavy rain and flash flooding across San Diego County, several closures have been implemented, and first responders are urging residents to stay off the streets. The National Weather Service has issued flash flood warnings in various areas including Coronado, downtown San Diego, El Cajon, and National City.
The City of Coronado has announced heavy flooding in the area and is advising drivers to avoid the roads. Sandbags are available at the Cays Fire station, while Village Elementary School in Coronado has experienced significant flooding throughout the entire building.
In light of a power outage, the Monarch School has decided to dismiss students earlier than usual. Similarly, SDCOE Community Schools 37ECB, SOUL Academy, Bridges, and Escondido Community School are also dismissing early. Schools in the Jamul-Dulzura School District have closed early due to flooding, and the Julian Union High School District has canceled their after-school ASSETs activities.
The City of San Diego has closed several streets for safety concerns, including San Diego Mission Road between Fairmount and Caminito Yucatan, Ward Road at Camino Del Rio N, and Avenida del Rio between Riverwalk Dr. and Camino de la Reina. The Port of San Diego reports that many areas are beginning to reopen, but Pacific Hwy between Ash and Broadway, as well as W. Harbor between Kettner and Pacific Hwy, remain closed.
Due to flooding, trolley service in downtown San Diego has been suspended, and Sprinter service is experiencing delays of up to 30 minutes. The City of San Diego has reported multiple rescues throughout the morning as drivers have become stranded on flooded roadways.
Major flooding has been reported at I-805 and Home Ave. Additionally, Quarry Road is closed between SR-125 and Lakeview Drive, and Country Club Dr. is closed in both directions at Harmony Grove Rd. due to flooding, according to the County of San Diego Public Works. The CHP has also closed River Walk Drive near Fashion Valley Mall, the I-5 exit to Hawthorne to San Diego International Airport, and eastbound State Route 78 near El Camino Real.
A special weather statement has been issued for San Diego, Chula Vista, and El Cajon until noon, with wind gusts of up to 50 mph expected. The Severe Thunderstorm Warning for South Bay areas has expired, and no hail is anticipated.
In La Mesa, University Avenue is closed from Harbinson Avenue to 69th Street, and Alvarado Road is closed from Guava Avenue to the 70th Street trolley station.
The heavy rain and flooding have also led to numerous closures at San Diego Parks. San Diego State University has closed Canyon Crest Drive between Parking Lot 15 and Aztec Circle due to falling rocks caused by heavy rain and flooding. However, SDSU remains open.
Naval Base San Diego has reported flooding in multiple areas, and entry is restricted to essential personnel only until further notice. Non-essential personnel are advised to avoid the base, and those already on the base are urged to remain in place until flooding levels reduce.
Inclement weather has affected the Living Water Church of the Nazarene, one of the City of San Diego's shelters, making it uncertain if it can open on Monday evening. Flooding has also impacted the 16th & Newton homeless shelter and the 20th & B Safe Sleeping site, resulting in their relocation to the Balboa Park Activity Center and the Municipal Gym.
Additionally, the San Diego Central Library has closed due to flooding. Authorities have emphasized the importance of not driving around road closure signs or barricades and cautions against driving on flooded streets.
Residents can report flooding by calling the City's emergency dispatch center at 619-527-7500. Sandbags, although available in limited supply, can be obtained at nine recreation centers in the City of San Diego. Please note that sand is not provided.