East County News Service

February 1, 2019 (San Diego's East County) -- A powerful storm is forecast to bring heavy rains and powerful winds countywide tonight through Saturday night, according to the National Weather Service. 

The storm could bring up to 4 inches of snow in mountain areas and a half inch in deserts, with 1.25 inches forecast in inland valleys and the coast. Strong winds with gusts up to 70 or 80 miles per hour in mountain and deset passes are also forecast, so secure loose items such as patio umbrellas. 

Flash flooding, urban flooding and debris flows are possible in some areas.

Another storm is expected to reach our region Sunday morning, with lighter rainfall Sunday and Monday.

East County News Service

January 11, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – Heavy rain and snow is forecast to fall starting tonight, with several new storm systems from the Pacific northwest slated to reach our region next week.

According to the National Weather Service, tonight and tomorrow morning should bring a half inch of rain west of the mountains and up to an inch or rain in the mountains, with several inches of snow above 6,000 feet including Palomar Mountain. Be prepared for a brief period of very heavy rain and strong surf.

East County News Service

January 4, 2019 (San Diego's East County) -- A new storm is heading to our region.  The National Weather Service predicts rain and snow down to 5,000 feet elevation late Saturday and Sunday.

By Miriam Raftery

East County News Service

December 31, 2018 (San Diego's East County) -- Frost and freeze warnings and watches are in effect for much of our region tonight through Thursday, with snow levels forecast to dip down to 3,500 feet. Temperatures could fall as low as 25 degrees in some East County mountain and desert areas – cold enough to freeze pipes and sensitive plants. High winds are also forecast across inland valleys, with gusts up to 75 miles per hour.

Light showers and snowfall fell at higher elevations today, with additional precipitation expected through 10 p.m. tonight and icy roads likely.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Robert Gehr, left:  El Cajon Library closed temporarily due to flooding.

December 7, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – Storms over the past two days brought much needed rain to our region, up to 3 inches in some areas.  But the downpour also causing flash flooding in many areas.

Several cars became caught up in rushing water up to four feet in southeast county, where major flooding occurred on Otay Lakes Road by Pio Pico RV Park and also on Highway 94 between the Jamul Casino and Jamul Estates.  Jan Hedlun, a motorist delayed due to the flooding, says  that 45 minutes after Cal Trans closed the highway, “There was no one directing traffic or telling stranded travelers to turn around and find another way home, as there has been during priori events. “No signs were being posted to prevent people from coming down Highway 94.” She asks why CHP or Border Patrol agents were not brought in to assist and why funding has not been allocated to fix the roads/drainage in these two recurring trouble spots.

In El Cajon, the County Library is closed today due to damage inside caused by flooding. 

Thunder, lightning and power outages also occurred across the region due to the storm.

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

November 28, 2018 (San Diego) - The National Weather Service is predicting that San Diego County’s first significant storm of the season will arrive Wednesday night and Thursday, with more rain possible on the weekend.

East County News Service

November 19, 2018 (San Diego) – The National Weather Service is forecasting  light rainfall across most of the region late Wednesday through mid-day on Thanksgiving this Thursday, with more rain possible Friday and Saturday. Gusty west to southwest winds will develop over the mountains and deserts through the period.  There is also a small chance of precipitation Friday night into Saturday, then Santa Ana winds developing for early next week with potential for rapid fire spread, says forecaster Jimmy Taeger.

East County News Service

October 12, 2018 (San Diego)-- A storm is forecast to bring rain across our county tonight through Saturday night.  Rainfall will be heaviest over the mountains with thunderstorms predicted.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

September 24, 2018 (San Diego) -- This is the first week of fall, and with it comes Santa Ana wind season. Though fire season is year round, fall typically brings triple-digit temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds bringing high fire danger and red flag warnings. 

East County News Service

August 27, 2018 (San Diego) — The heat is on.  For those who may still be skeptics on climate change, the National Weather Service in San Diego has released statistics on record-breaking heat this summer in our region:

By Miriam Raftery

August 4, 2018 (San Diego) – Looking to beat the heat?  The ocean waters off San Diego are the warmest in a century—reaching a balmy 78.6 degrees Fahrenheit on August 1st to break an all-time record.

July 29, 2018  3 p.m. -- The National Weather Service just issued this urgent warning:

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Severe Thunderstorm Warning National Weather Service San Diego CA 259 PM PDT SUN JUL 29 2018 The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... North central San Diego County in southwestern California... * Until 400 PM PDT *

At 258 PM PDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Hwy 79 Between Santa Ysabel And Warner Springs, or 9 miles northwest of Julian, moving southwest at 10 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. *

Locations impacted include... Warner Springs, Hwy 79 Between Santa Ysabel And Warner Springs, Lake Henshaw, Ranchita, Hwy S2 Between Hwy 79 And Hwy 78, S7 - East Grade Rd, Hwy 78 Between Ramona And Santa Ysabel, Hwy 79 Between Warner Springs And Oak Grove, Santa Ysabel, Los Coyotes Indian Reservation, Wynola and Santa Ysabel Indian Reservation.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

By Miriam Raftery

July 1, 2018 (San Diego) — The National Weather Service predicts temperatures are likely to reach excessive levels by Friday and Saturday. There will also be a chance of thunderstorms in the mountains of San Diego County and other Southern California locations. Temperatures could reach 118 degrees in Borrego Springs, 101 in Ramona, 100 degrees in Alpine, and 97 degrees in Julian.

Be sure to stay well hydrated with plenty of water and avoid strenuous outdoor activities if possible.  If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors.

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

Photo: Clouds layered “like pancakes” over East County’s mountains; National Weather Service San DIego

April 15, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a high wind advisory in effect starting at midnight tonight through 5 a.m. Tuesday in our mountains and deserts.

Gusts could reach 65 to 75 miles per hour, with sustained southwest to west winds of 35 to 45 mph. The strongest winds are forecast for Monday afternoon and evening.

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

March 20, 2018 (San Diego) - The National Weather Service is predicting rain around San Diego County this week, potentially heavy rain on Thursday.

People in unincorporated areas can get free sandbags at numerous locations to help them protect their homes, properties and communities.