Heavy Storm Causes Chaos and Flooding in San Diego

A powerful storm unleashed heavy rain and strong winds upon San Diego, leaving behind a trail of chaos and flooding in its wake. Mayor Todd Gloria declared a state of emergency for the city as the rainfall and flash flooding wreaked havoc across the area.

The City of San Diego has activated its Emergency Operations Center to address the impacts of the storm. The American Red Cross has set up an evacuation center at Lincoln High School for those displaced by the flooding. Mayor Gloria urges residents to avoid flooded areas and unnecessary travel.

Northbound Interstate 15 at 32nd Street experienced severe flooding, causing a standstill in traffic that stretched all the way to National City. Caltrans crews diligently worked to clear the drains, allowing traffic to flow freely by 4 p.m. Homes in Mountain View faced massive flooding, with submerged cars and overflowing rivers becoming a common sight.

In the South Bay, roadways near San Ysidro Boulevard were flooded, leading to water rescues near the Tijuana River Valley. The storm’s impact was also felt in North County, such as in the community of Cardiff where overwhelmed storm drains flooded the streets.

Over 20,000 customers were left without power due to the storm, with that number decreasing to 7,500 by the evening. SDG&E advises caution around downed power lines and urges the public to report any such incidents. The storm has also disrupted school schedules, affecting schools in the area.

The California Highway Patrol reported numerous traffic disruptions caused by the heavy rainfall throughout San Diego County. The storm’s impact was widespread, affecting streets, freeways, and back roads.

This powerful storm underscores the importance of preparedness and safety during extreme weather events. It serves as a reminder for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions.