Late-Winter Storm Pummels San Diego With Record Rainfall

Natalie Brooks

5 min read

Post on May 30, 2025

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Unprecedented Rainfall Totals and Flooding

The late-winter storm delivered record rainfall across San Diego County, surpassing historical averages by a significant margin. Many areas experienced rainfall totals far exceeding normal levels for the entire month of February. This record rainfall led to widespread flooding, impacting numerous neighborhoods and causing significant property damage.

• Specific locations with highest rainfall totals: Mission Valley recorded over 7 inches of rain in a 24-hour period, while La Jolla saw over 6 inches. Downtown San Diego experienced over 5 inches, significantly exceeding previous records.
• Comparison to historical rainfall data: This storm's rainfall totals surpassed the previous record for a single late-winter storm by over 30%, highlighting the severity of the event. The National Weather Service described the event as a "once-in-a-generation" storm.
• Reports of flash flooding in vulnerable areas: Low-lying areas and canyons experienced severe flash flooding, with numerous reports of submerged vehicles and water entering homes. Many roads became impassable due to the rapid accumulation of water.
• Impact on local rivers and streams: Local rivers and streams overflowed their banks in several locations, causing further flooding and erosion. The San Diego River, in particular, reached dangerously high levels.

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Impact on Transportation and Infrastructure

The torrential rain and flooding significantly impacted San Diego's transportation systems and infrastructure. The sheer volume of water overwhelmed drainage systems, leading to widespread disruption across the city.

• Road closures and traffic delays: Numerous roads and highways were closed due to flooding, landslides, and debris. This resulted in significant traffic delays and congestion throughout the city. Commuters faced lengthy detours and disruptions to their daily routines.
• Damage to roads and bridges: The intense rainfall caused damage to several roads and bridges, requiring emergency repairs and road closures for extended periods. Some roads suffered significant structural damage.
• Disruptions to public transportation (buses, trains): The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) experienced significant delays and cancellations due to flooding and road closures. Bus routes were rerouted, causing inconvenience to many commuters.
• Airport delays and cancellations: San Diego International Airport experienced delays and cancellations due to the severe weather. Flights were impacted, and travelers faced significant disruptions.

The widespread impact on transportation highlighted the vulnerability of San Diego's infrastructure to extreme weather events. Significant infrastructure damage will require substantial repair and rebuilding efforts.

Power Outages and Utility Disruptions

The late-winter storm caused widespread power outages across San Diego, leaving thousands of residents without electricity. The powerful winds and heavy rain damaged power lines and substations, disrupting service to numerous neighborhoods.

• Number of residents affected: Estimates suggest that over 100,000 residents experienced power outages at the height of the storm.
• Duration of outages: Many residents were without power for several hours, with some areas experiencing outages lasting for days.
• Utility company response and restoration efforts: San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) mobilized crews to restore power, but the scale of the damage made repairs a lengthy process.
• Impact on essential services (hospitals, schools): Several hospitals and schools experienced power outages, requiring backup generators and impacting operations. Water service disruptions in some areas further compounded the difficulties.

Safety Concerns and Emergency Response

The severity of the storm prompted significant safety concerns, leading to a large-scale emergency response across the city.

• Number of emergency calls received: Emergency services received a surge in calls related to flooding, downed power lines, and other weather-related incidents.
• Rescue operations conducted: First responders conducted numerous rescue operations, assisting stranded individuals and evacuating residents from flooded areas.
• Warnings and advisories issued by local authorities: Local authorities issued numerous warnings and advisories urging residents to stay home, avoid flooded areas, and take precautions.
• Shelters opened for displaced residents: Emergency shelters were opened to provide temporary housing for residents whose homes were affected by the flooding.

While injuries were reported, fortunately, there were no fatalities directly attributed to the storm.

Long-Term Impacts and Recovery Efforts

The late-winter storm’s long-term consequences will require significant resources and time to address. The recovery effort will span several phases.

• Estimated cost of damage: The total cost of repairing infrastructure damage and assisting affected residents is expected to run into the millions of dollars.
• Insurance claims and assistance programs: Residents and businesses will need to file insurance claims and may require assistance from government programs to recover from losses.
• Environmental impact on local ecosystems: The storm's impact on local ecosystems, including damage to coastal areas and erosion, will need further assessment.
• Plans for future storm preparedness: The city will likely review its storm preparedness plans and invest in infrastructure improvements to enhance resilience to future extreme weather events.

Conclusion

The late-winter storm that pummeled San Diego resulted in record rainfall, widespread flooding, significant transportation disruptions, and numerous power outages. The city's emergency response teams worked tirelessly to address the situation, highlighting the need for improved preparedness for future extreme weather events. To stay informed about weather updates and safety measures in San Diego during future severe weather, be sure to follow your local news channels and heed all official warnings. Stay safe and prepared for potential future late-winter storms in San Diego.