Late Winter Storm Pummels San Diego

Hugo van Dijk

4 min read

Post on May 30, 2025

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Unprecedented Rainfall and Flooding

The late winter storm dumped an astonishing amount of rain on San Diego, far exceeding historical averages for this time of year. Many areas experienced flash flooding, as storm drains struggled to cope with the deluge. The heavy rainfall led to flood warnings being issued across the county, and several areas saw coastal flooding due to storm surge. This extreme weather event caused significant disruption, impacting residents, businesses, and essential infrastructure.

• Rainfall Totals: Downtown San Diego recorded over 4 inches of rain in a 24-hour period, while some mountain communities saw over 6 inches. This is significantly higher than the average rainfall for the entire month of February.
• Flooded Areas: Numerous streets and highways were rendered impassable due to flooding. Reports emerged of flooded homes and businesses, particularly in low-lying areas and near riverbanks.
• Evacuations: Several neighborhoods were evacuated as floodwaters rose rapidly, threatening lives and property.
• Infrastructure Impact: The storm's intensity overwhelmed the city's drainage system, causing damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. The repair costs are expected to be substantial.

Widespread Power Outages and Utility Disruptions

The relentless rain and strong winds caused widespread power outages across San Diego County. Downed power lines were reported throughout the region, leaving thousands of homes and businesses without electricity. SDG&E, the local utility company, scrambled to restore power, but the sheer scale of the damage presented significant challenges. The resulting energy crisis impacted essential services, including hospitals and communication networks.

• Number Affected: At the peak of the outages, over 100,000 homes and businesses were without power.
• Severely Impacted Areas: Coastal communities and areas with older infrastructure were particularly hard-hit by power losses.
• Utility Response: SDG&E deployed crews to work around the clock to restore power, but restoration times varied widely depending on the extent of damage.
• Impact on Essential Services: Hospitals relied on backup generators, and communication networks experienced disruptions, hindering emergency response efforts.

Storm Damage and Property Loss

Beyond the flooding and power outages, the late winter storm caused substantial property damage. Fallen trees blocked roads, damaged homes, and caused injuries. Strong winds led to structural damage to buildings, and the high waves battered coastal areas. The resulting debris cleanup and repair costs are likely to be in the millions.

• Significant Property Damage: Numerous reports surfaced of damaged roofs, broken windows, and flooded basements.
• Fallen Trees and Debris: The sheer number of fallen trees and debris created hazardous conditions and blocked numerous roadways.
• Coastal Damage: High waves and storm surge caused erosion and damage to coastal properties.
• Insurance Claims: Homeowners and business owners are expected to file numerous insurance claims for storm-related damage.

Impact on Transportation and Commute

The severe weather significantly impacted transportation throughout San Diego. Numerous road closures due to flooding and fallen trees caused massive traffic delays and gridlock. Public transportation services were disrupted, and several flights were cancelled or delayed at San Diego International Airport. Commuters faced significant challenges navigating the city during the storm and in its aftermath. Many schools and businesses were forced to close, adding to the widespread disruption.

Conclusion

The late winter storm that pummeled San Diego was a truly exceptional event, causing unprecedented rainfall, widespread flooding, extensive power outages, and significant property damage. The storm's impact underscored the importance of preparedness and highlighted the vulnerabilities of infrastructure to extreme weather. Stay safe during future San Diego storms by staying informed about weather alerts and taking necessary precautions to protect your property and family. Learn more about how to prepare for severe weather in San Diego by visiting the National Weather Service website and your local news sources. Preparing for a late winter storm in San Diego is crucial for minimizing the impact of future severe weather events.