Article Summary
San Diego experienced heavy rains and flash flooding on 28 February, which led to the closure of highways and schools. Up to three inches of rain fell within three hours, causing the San Diego River to flood. The National Weather Service said the area received more rainfall than during Tropical Storm Hilary last August. Around 14,500 San Diego Gas & Electric customers lost electricity due to the weather. Officials are managing numerous rescue calls and two homeless shelters were flooded.
San Diego Suffers Flash Floods and Unexpected Rainfall
San Diego experienced unexpected heavy rainfall and flash floods on Monday, resulting in closed highways, flooded roads, and premature school closures.
The National Weather Service reported up to three inches of rain falling in three hours, leading to active and rising flooding in the San Diego River. Authorities are currently responding to a surge in rescue calls.
This rainfall surpassed that of Tropical Storm Hilary last August. According to Brian Adams, a local National Weather Service meteorologist, this could be one of the top 10 wettest days in San Diego’s recorded climate history dating back to the 1800s.
Power Outages and School Closures Affect San Diego Residents
A number of schools across the region closed early due to the flooding and power outages. The National School District in San Diego County confirmed that they faced issues with power outages, loss of communication, and flooding at several sites. Roughly 14,500 San Diego Gas & Electric customers were without power as of Monday afternoon, as per PowerOutage.us.
Emergency measures were taken as two homeless shelters flooded, with city officials scrambling to transport affected individuals to public gymnasiums. San Diego Central Library also closed due to a flooded parking garage, the San Diego Police Department announced that both front counters at its downtown headquarters would be closed for the day, and sandbags were being distributed at city recreation centers.
Residents Respond to Flash Flooding
In the hard-hit neighborhood of Mountain View, east of downtown San Diego, two residents were reported by CBS 8 San Diego to be checking on their neighbors via kayaks. Major freeways in the region were transformed into rivers and subsequently closed until the waters could recede.
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