NORTH COUNTY COASTAL CITIES CLEAN UP AFTER STORMS, TIDES

Seasonal rivers and creeks open up; crews keeping things clear for more rain, king tides at end of month

Coastal North County cities took advantage of Friday’s sunshine to clean up from minor flooding and prepare for the next round of rain and high tides.

Work crews blocked off one lane of Carlsbad Boulevard, part of the state’s scenic Highway 101, south of Palomar Airport Road for a few hours to clean up sand and rocks washed onto the roadway by the morning’s crashing surf.

“We are seeing some flooding in low-lying areas and have posted signs as needed or closed lanes temporarily,” Carlsbad Communications and Engagement Director Kristina Ray said Thursday.

“We have also had some trees fall,” Ray said in an email. “No injuries. Street crews are making some minor repairs (small potholes). We are also out at construction sites making sure they have all the runoff prevention measures in place.”

People gathered on bluff tops all along the coast Friday morning to watch the huge surf generated by the string of Pacific storms and to cheer the few brave souls who tried to ride it.

In Oceanside, storm runoff pushed the San Luis Rey River and Loma Alta Creek through their sand and rock berms in recent days and restored their seasonal flow into the ocean. Also, the Buena Vista Lagoon on the Oceanside-carlsbad border was flowing over its weir on Friday into the Pacific.

The San Luis Rey River remained well below flood stage and the flow was expected to peak at a little over 7 feet about 1 p.m. Friday. Flood stage is 21 feet.

“The clearing of storm drains is ongoing, and the city’s emergency responders have plans in place to monitor flood-prone areas,” Oceanside Assistant City Manager Michael Gossman said.

“The Public Works team will continue to evaluate streets and remove debris from roads and storm drains until the next storm arrives,” Gossman said. “The Water Utilities Department is ensuring that the city’s water and sewer infrastructure is as prepared as possible for expected heavy rainfalls, such as lowering the reservoir levels to ensure excess ca