San Diego Drenched: Late Winter Storm Brings Heavy Rainfall

Mei Lin

4 min read

Post on May 30, 2025

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Record Rainfall and Flooding in San Diego County

The late winter storm brought record-breaking rainfall to San Diego County, surpassing historical averages by a significant margin. Rainfall totals varied across the county, with downtown San Diego recording 4.2 inches in just 24 hours—a figure exceeding the average rainfall for the entire month of February. Coastal areas experienced slightly less rainfall, while inland regions bore the brunt of the storm, seeing significantly higher totals and resulting in more severe consequences.

• Downtown San Diego: 4.2 inches (exceeding the average February rainfall)
• Coastal Areas: Averaged around 3 inches
• Inland Regions: Reported totals exceeding 5 inches in some areas.

This extreme rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems, leading to severe flooding across the county. The hardest-hit areas included low-lying neighborhoods near the San Diego River and Mission Bay, where numerous homes and businesses were inundated with water. Dramatic photos circulated online showing cars submerged and streets transformed into raging rivers. The San Diego River and several smaller creeks overflowed their banks, adding to the widespread flooding. Preliminary estimates suggest hundreds of homes and dozens of businesses sustained flood damage. Public transportation was severely impacted with significant delays and several road closures reported due to flooding and debris.

Damage and Disruption Caused by the San Diego Storm

The torrential rainfall and resulting flooding caused substantial damage and disruption throughout San Diego. Beyond the flooding, strong winds accompanying the storm brought down trees and power lines, causing widespread power outages impacting thousands of homes and businesses for several days.

• Property Damage: Extensive damage to homes and businesses due to flooding, wind damage, and falling trees. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
• Power Outages: Over 50,000 homes and businesses experienced power outages at the peak of the storm, with some areas remaining without power for over 48 hours.
• Injuries and Fatalities: Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, though several injuries resulted from the storm, primarily due to falls and car accidents on slick roads.
• Economic Impact: The storm caused significant disruptions to local businesses, leading to closures and reduced economic activity. The cost of repairs and cleanup will run into the millions.
• Cleanup Efforts: City crews, along with volunteers, are working tirelessly to clear debris, repair damaged infrastructure, and help residents recover from the storm.

Impact on San Diego’s Environment

The intense rainfall had a significant impact on San Diego's environment. While the storm replenished depleted groundwater supplies, there were also significant environmental concerns:

• Stormwater Runoff: Massive amounts of stormwater runoff flowed into the Pacific Ocean, carrying pollutants and debris. This runoff poses a threat to water quality and marine life.
• Mudslides: The saturated soil in hilly areas led to several mudslides, causing road closures and posing a risk to homes in vulnerable locations.
• Coastal Erosion: The powerful waves and high tides associated with the storm resulted in noticeable coastal erosion in certain areas, impacting beaches and coastal infrastructure.

San Diego's Response to the Heavy Rainfall

San Diego's emergency services responded swiftly and effectively to the unprecedented rainfall and flooding. The city issued numerous flood warnings and evacuation orders in advance of the storm's peak.

• Emergency Response: Firefighters, police officers, and other emergency personnel worked tirelessly to rescue stranded residents, clear roadways, and assist those affected.
• Evacuation Orders: Mandatory evacuations were issued for several low-lying areas prone to flooding.
• Community Support: Local residents and organizations mobilized to offer assistance to those affected by the storm, providing shelter, food, and supplies.
• City Government Response: The city government played a critical role in coordinating the response, allocating resources, and providing support to residents and businesses.

Conclusion

The recent late winter storm brought unprecedented rainfall to San Diego, causing significant flooding, damage, and widespread disruption. The city faced record rainfall totals, leading to challenges across various sectors. The response from emergency services and the community was vital in mitigating the impact. However, the storm served as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of extreme weather events.

Call to Action: Stay informed about future weather forecasts and be prepared for potential heavy rainfall events. Learn more about San Diego’s emergency preparedness plans and how you can protect yourself and your property during future San Diego storms and periods of heavy rainfall. Understanding the risks and taking proactive steps are crucial for mitigating the impact of future severe weather in San Diego.