Odd winter, this — rainy and cool, then sunny and warm.
We’re in for another a wet phase beginning Monday, with heavy and widespread rain on the way.
“Ponding of water on roads and minor street flooding in urban areas possible,” the San Diego National Weather Service said on Sunday morning. “Increased flows on rivers, especially the San Diego, Santa Margarita, and Whitewater Rivers.”
And we won’t just be feeling it along the coast and inland, but in the mountains and at sea too. Forecasters are warning of high surf, rip currents and “near gale-force winds” out in the Pacific as the storm continues through Wednesday.
The NWS has issued a high surf advisory, which takes effect at 10 a.m. Monday and continues through 4 a.m. Thursday.
But skiers and snowboarders will reap rewards from the storm. Snow levels are expected to fall to 5,000 feet by Tuesday, then continue to drop through mid-week possibly as low as 3,000 feet, just in time to plan a snow-centric getaway for next weekend.
Forecasters said mountain communities above 5,500 feet will see anywhere from several inches of snow to a couple of feet because the system could deliver the highest snow totals and lowest snow levels of the season.
Light rain will be accompanied by cooler temperatures starting late Sunday. The heaviest rain should fall Monday through Wednesday with totals for the week ranging from 1-3″ for coastal and inland areas, to 1-2″ for the deserts, and 2-6″ for the mountains below snow level.
What to do?
Stay away from flood-prone areas, the city of San Diego warns. They include Mission Valley, Sorrento Valley and Southcrest, which have been identified by the federal government as Special Flood Hazard Areas with increased risk of flooding during large storms.
City employees will monitor river levels during the storm and may close roads if needed.
The city also plans to monitor more than 46,000 storm drains for any issues throughout the storm.
In addition, sandbags — bags only — are available (residents must obtain their own sand and fill them). Pick up the bags at the following recreation centers during regular hours (Monday is Presidents’ Day, which could affect hours):
- Council District 1 – Pacific Beach Recreation Center, 1405 Diamond St.
- Council District 2 (inland) – North Clairemont Recreation Center, 4421 Bannock Ave.
- Council District 2 (coastal) – Robb Field Athletic Area, 2525 Bacon St.
- Council District 3 – Golden Hill Recreation Center, 2600 Golf Course Drive
- Council District 4 – Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 6401 Skyline Drive
- Council District 5 – Scripps Ranch Recreation Center, 11454 Blue Cypress Drive
- Council District 6 – Standley Recreation Center, 3585 Governor Drive
- Council District 7 – Allied Gardens Recreation Center, 5155 Greenbrier Ave.
- Council District 8 – Silver Wing Recreation Center, 3737 Arey Drive
- Council District 8 – Southcrest Recreation Center, 4149 Newton Ave.
- Council District 9 – City Heights Recreation Center, 4380 Landis St.
Alert San Diego has compiled a list of locations that San Diego County is offering sandbags, which can be found here.
