Late-Winter Storm Pummels San Diego County With Intense Rainfall

Pedro Alvarez

4 min read

Post on May 30, 2025

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Record Rainfall and Flooding

The San Diego storm delivered an unprecedented amount of rainfall, leading to severe flooding across the county. Heavy rain San Diego experienced far exceeded typical levels for this time of year. Several areas saw rainfall totals that broke long-standing records.

• Downtown San Diego saw over 5 inches of rain in a 24-hour period, surpassing the previous record by nearly two inches.
• Low-lying areas near rivers and creeks, such as those in Mission Valley and along the San Diego River, experienced significant inundation, with many homes and businesses suffering significant water damage. The resulting storm surge San Diego experienced overwhelmed drainage systems.
• Numerous road closures and transportation disruptions occurred throughout the county. Major highways, including portions of Interstate 8 and Highway 163, were temporarily closed due to flooding and debris. Public transportation was also severely impacted, with many bus routes suspended.
• Emergency rescue teams conducted numerous evacuations and rescues, assisting stranded residents from flooded homes and vehicles. Reports indicate over 100 individuals required rescue from rising waters.
• The flooding caused significant damage to local businesses, forcing many to close temporarily, leading to substantial economic losses. The impact on the San Diego economy is expected to be considerable.

Storm Damage and Infrastructure Impacts

The intense rainfall and flooding caused widespread storm damage San Diego, impacting homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. The sheer volume of water overwhelmed many systems, causing significant damage and disruption.

• Many homes suffered roof damage, water intrusion, and foundation issues. Numerous reports detailed collapsed walls and damaged landscaping.
• Widespread power outages affected tens of thousands of San Diego residents. Downed power lines and damaged electrical infrastructure caused outages lasting several days in some areas. SDG&E crews worked tirelessly to restore power.
• Damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure was extensive. Sections of Highway 163 were closed due to landslides, and several bridges sustained damage requiring repairs.
• The storm significantly impacted public services. Many schools and some hospitals experienced disruptions, affecting access to healthcare and education. The cleanup and repair efforts will require substantial time and resources.

Landslides and Mudflows

The intense rainfall triggered numerous landslides and mudflows throughout the county, particularly in hilly and mountainous regions. Hillside erosion San Diego experienced was substantial in several areas.

• Several neighborhoods in the eastern and northern parts of the county experienced landslides, damaging homes and roads.
• At least ten homes were directly impacted by mudslides, requiring extensive repairs or complete demolition.
• Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities directly attributed to landslides during this San Diego storm; however, several injuries were reported.

Response and Recovery Efforts

The response to the San Diego storm involved a coordinated effort from various emergency services and government agencies. The San Diego emergency response was swift and efficient.

• Firefighters, police officers, and rescue teams worked tirelessly to assist residents, conduct evacuations, and clear debris.
• Federal, state, and local governments provided significant assistance, including emergency funding, personnel, and resources for the storm recovery San Diego is now undertaking.
• Cleanup efforts are underway, involving the removal of debris, repair of damaged roads, and restoration of power. The San Diego cleanup is a massive undertaking, expected to take months.
• Several resources are available for affected residents, including temporary shelters, financial assistance programs, and counseling services to address the psychological impact of the disaster relief San Diego is providing.

Conclusion

The late-winter storm that pummeled San Diego County left an indelible mark, causing significant rainfall, widespread flooding, and substantial damage to infrastructure and property. The response and recovery efforts are underway, but the impact of this extreme weather event will be felt for some time. The severity of this San Diego storm underscores the need for improved infrastructure and preparedness for future severe weather events.

Call to Action: Stay informed about the ongoing impact of the San Diego storm and be prepared for future severe weather events. Check local news for updates on road closures, power outages, and recovery efforts. Learning how to prepare for future intense rainfall and severe weather is crucial for San Diego residents. Understanding your risk and creating a comprehensive plan to mitigate the effects of future San Diego storms is vital.