SAFETY DURING THE STORM
San Diego County is in the midst of a “major and unusual storm” with various advisories and warnings in effect and officials asking the public to “hunker down and avoid travel” through at least Saturday afternoon.
Here are some weather warnings and safety and travel tips, along with what to expect and where to go for the latest information about the storm.
Avoid rivers, creeks and streams and surrounding areas
Forecasters are expecting a downpour as the storm system pushes south and taps into moisture from an atmospheric river. Be mindful of possible street flooding throughout the county, and watch for rivers, creeks and streams to rise quickly.
Prepare for the San Diego River in Mission Valley to overflow into streets and neighboring roadways, as it often does during heavy rains.
Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas
In January, swift-water crews rescued 11 people from flooded areas. The rescues took place in Mission Valley near the San Diego River, in the Otay Lakes area of east Chula Vista and other areas in the county. Even a few inches of rainwater can sweep away a car or truck, according to a recent warning from county officials.
Heed travel warnings
If you are thinking of leaving town this weekend, look closely at forecasts in neighboring counties and consider staying home.
Heavier rain and snow are expected in San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties. The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning from 4 a.m. Thursday to 4 p.m. Saturday and predicted as much as 5 feet of snow in the San Bernardino Mountains.
The weather service warns that “travel will be very difficult to impossible” and that hazardous conditions will impact the morning and evening commutes on Saturday, with near-zero visibility.
The Orange County coastal areas are on flood watch through Saturday evening with 3 to 4 inches of rain expected to fall, and a wind advisory is in place from until Saturday at 6 a.m.
Avoid the mountains and hiking trails
Heavy snow and wind gusts are expected to lead to dangerous conditions in the mountains.
Officials are asking the public to postpone any nonessential or nonemergency travel during the storm, especially through the snowy mountain areas.
“We cannot stress enough how unsafe it will be to travel Friday afternoon through Saturday morning,” the National Weather Service in San Diego tweeted on Thursday. “Four-wheel-drive and snow chains will not help you with blizzard conditions and near-zero visibility!”
Snow reports Thursday evening listed 22 inches of snow at Mount Laguna, 12 inches at Palomar Mountain and 10 inches in Julian, with more snow on the way.
Closures have been announced for Maple Canyon, Chollas Lake, Los Peñasquitos Preserve and Mission Trails Regional Park.
Be careful or avoid the beach and coastal bluffs
The National Weather Service predicts “strong winds and hazardous seas” along the coast.
High surf is expected to impact local beaches, along with a high rip current risk — meaning life-threatening rip currents are likely — and surf up to 6 feet is expected through Saturday.
Where to go for the latest information
Get traffic, road closure and safety information from the California Department of Transportation District 11:
• Online at dot.ca.gov/ caltrans-near-me/district-11
• On Twitter @SDCaltrans
• On Facebook at facebook.com/sdcaltrans
See the latest weather forecasts, rain and snowfall totals and more from the National Weather Service in San Diego:
• Online at weather.gov/ sgx
• On Twitter @NWSSanDiego
• On Facebook at facebook.com/NWSSanDiego
For information on the storm from the county of San Diego:
• Visit the San Diego County Emergency Site at sdcountyemergency.com