San Diego County is preparing for light rain this weekend, following significant flooding that impacted several areas on New Year’s Day. A series of mild but colder weather systems will bring additional chances for light to moderate showers across the region through the middle of next week, as reported by the National Weather Service. General clearing is anticipated by Wednesday, with temperatures expected to remain in the 60s Fahrenheit throughout the week.
The flooding on January 1 led to multiple rescues, highlighting the dangers posed by rapidly rising waters. In one notable incident, personnel from San Diego County Fire-Rescue rescued a woman who was swept into a creek near Lake Hodges in Escondido. According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, the couple had entered the lake’s area at a low-water crossing when they encountered the unexpected flooding. They attempted to walk back to their vehicle through the swiftly flowing water, but both were swept away. The male victim managed to reach shore and contacted authorities, who launched a rescue operation for his wife. She was located and transported to a hospital, with both individuals reported to be in stable condition.
The sheriff’s office issued a warning to the public, advising against walking, swimming, or driving through flooded areas. “Just six inches of fast-moving water is enough to put your life at risk. Remember, turn around, don’t drown,” officials emphasized.
Rescue efforts continued on the same day, with a lifeguard team saving a man trapped under a bridge in Mission Valley due to rising waters from the San Diego River. Fire crews responded to the scene after receiving reports of the man stuck in waist-high water. He was extricated and taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
In another incident, lifeguards rescued an adult and a child who were trapped in a vehicle by rapidly rising floodwaters at the Fashion Valley mall. Describing the flooding as resembling “a river,” Candace Hadley, spokeswoman for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, noted that the area experienced “very significant flooding,” particularly in the Avenida Del Rio vicinity.
Public transportation was also affected, with trolley service in downtown San Diego disrupted for several hours due to the flooding. In response to the severe weather, the city activated its inclement weather shelter program, which provides additional shelter capacity during specific weather conditions. Locations include the Living Water Church of the Nazarene and the Joan Kroc Center. The program is triggered when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit with a 40% chance of rain, or when temperatures are 45 degrees or lower, regardless of rain chances.
The shelters operate on a first-come, first-served basis, typically opening beds in the late afternoon and requiring occupants to vacate by early the next morning. The program also activates during exceptional weather conditions, such as receiving an inch or more of rain within 24 hours.
As San Diego County braces for additional rainfall, authorities continue to remind residents to exercise caution in flood-prone areas and to stay informed about changing weather conditions.
