Flash Flood and Tornado Warnings Rock San Diego County
What to know about California’s weather
Flash Flood Risks Persist The relentless storm system lashing California’s southern regions poses ongoing flooding threats. Stay vigilant as the risk of flash floods persists.
Unprecedented Alert: Tornado Warning San Diego County witnessed an uncommon phenomenon with a rare tornado warning. Though the warning has subsided, brace for heavy rain and lightning strikes.
Flood Watch Remains The National Weather Service maintains a flood watch for San Diego, emphasizing the danger of excessive rainfall. Mountain dwellers are cautioned about potential rockslides and road obstructions.
Northern Concerns: Flooding in Focus In Los Angeles and Ventura counties, moderate to heavy showers heighten the flood risk. Keep a close eye on developments in these areas.
Tragic Toll: Storm-Related Fatalities Amidst the tumult, the storm’s toll includes three lives lost to falling trees. Stay indoors and prioritize safety amidst the adverse conditions
Also Read: Dense Fog Disrupts Delhi-NCR: Flights Delayed, Trains Affected
On Tuesday, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a series of urgent warnings for parts of San Diego County, heightening concerns over severe weather conditions. A Flash Flood Warning, signaling “life-threatening” situations, was declared just before 10 a.m. for regions spanning from San Diego to Orange counties. This warning came as the area experienced a relentless onslaught of heavy rain, with rainfall rates peaking at 0.75 to one inch per hour. Communities in San Diego County’s northernmost tip, including Oceanside and Fallbrook, were particularly vulnerable, as indicated by the NWS advisory.
The Flash Flood Warning, which lasted until 1 p.m., underscored the imminent risk of flash flooding, especially in areas adjacent to streams, creeks, and other water bodies. Low-lying urban regions, highways, streets, and underpasses were also susceptible to inundation. Residents were urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel.
In an unexpected turn, a rare Tornado Warning was issued several hours later, shortly after 11:45 a.m., for segments of South Bay and East County. The warning was prompted by the detection of a potent thunderstorm capable of generating tornadoes. Communities such as Chula Vista, National City, Spring Valley, El Cajon, Santee, and Lakeside were alerted to the possibility of pea-sized hail and wind gusts exceeding 40 miles per hour.
Fortunately, the Tornado Warning was lifted around 12:30 p.m. as the storm system weakened below severe thresholds. No tornadoes were reported during the duration of the warning. Despite the cessation of the tornado threat, San Diego State University took proactive measures, issuing a “Take Cover” alert for all students on campus. The directive advised individuals to seek shelter indoors, away from windows, and shield themselves from potential flying debris.
Meanwhile, the rest of San Diego County remained under a Flood Watch until Wednesday, with intermittent thunderstorms forecasted for inland areas and coastal regions. Authorities cautioned residents to remain vigilant as rainfall persisted, potentially exacerbating flooding concerns. Tragically, amidst the chaos, at least one casualty was reported—a migrant who tragically lost their life while attempting to cross the swollen Tijuana River amid the deluge.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of severe weather, communities are urged to stay informed, heed official advisories, and prioritize safety measures to mitigate further risks posed by the ongoing inclement conditions.
Radar data depicts a heavy rain cell over San Diego at 1225 pm #cawx #socal and lightning is possible with these stronger storms pic.twitter.com/fqi3Opp93S
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) February 6, 2024
