Updated at 7:05 p.m., Friday Feb. 17
A severe thunderstorm warning along with a flood advisory was issued for western San Diego County on Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
At 5:44 p.m., the NWS doppler radar noticed a much heavier band of rain off the coast which will move onshore and through the inland valleys. Rates will increase early this evening to over half an inch per hour.
This intense line of heavy rain, likely to cause flooding, and high wind was expected to hit coastal cities by 6:30 p.m. Affected areas include Chula Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, El Cajon, Vista, Encinitas, National City, La Mesa, Poway, North Park, Point Loma, Hillcrest, Midway District, including Lindbergh Field, Downtown San Diego and La Jolla.
At 5:41 p.m. the NWS doppler radar discovered a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds over 60 mph. These storms are approaching along a line extending from 20 miles southwest of Laguna Beach to 40 miles southwest of Point Loma and moving east at 25 mph.
Forecasters say residents should move indoors to an interior room on the lowest floor of your home or business. Severe thunderstorms can produce damaging winds, destructive hail, deadly lightning and very heavy rain. The warning was set to expire at 6:45 p.m.
Residents were also warned not to drive into areas where water covers the road, as heavy rain can flood roads rapidly.
Strong winds, flash floods and high surf advisories are all in the forecast for San Diego County Friday and Saturday as a strong Pacific storm brings heavy precipitation with the possibility of thunderstorms that may cause flooding.
A highly unusual, intense squall line swept across Southern California Friday, overwhelming San Diego County with heavy rain and gales, according to the National Weather Service.
At 4 p.m. the worst onslaught of severe wind was expected to slam northwestern San Diego County and at 5 p.m. the rest of the county was also swept with wind. Steady, blustering gales are forecast to last for roughly four hours, said forecasters.
The strong winds are expected to diminish rapidly after 9 p.m. Friday night. However, a high wind warning will remain in effect until 2 a.m. early Saturday morning.
Radar loop ending at 3:00 pm today. Band of moderate to heavy rain moving ashore in SoCal.
Posted by US National Weather Service San Diego California on Friday, February 17, 2017
Damaging winds swept in from the west through a severe squall line with winds steadily increasing ahead of the line, said Weather Service forecasters. Raging winds were expected to average 30 to 40 mph with gusts of 60 to 70 mph.
The coastal areas were forecast to receive the brunt of severe, gusty wind, according to the weather service.
Forecasters say to expect numerous fallen trees and some possible damage to houses and buildings. Downed power lines are also likely to cause some power outages.
A gale warning for boaters was issued by the National Weather Service, with seas expected to peak at 17 feet and waves at local beaches reaching 15 feet. Wind gusts could reach 70 mph in local mountains.
Snow levels are expected to be around 6,500 to 7,500 feet during the heaviest band of precipitation, according to the NWS.
Forecasters said that while heavy snow will be confined to higher areas, strong winds are likely at all elevations.
Two-day rainfall totals will likely be substantial, along with very strong winds making for hazardous travel conditions and possible tree damage, according to the NWS. Heavy rainfall rates may cause flash flooding, debris flows and possible river flooding.
City News Service contributed to this article.
