STORM DELUGES COUNTY—BUT WORST IS YET TO COME

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Palomar Mountain doused with nearly a foot of rain


“We are moving into the last, most dangerous stage of the event…Thunderstorms, tornadoes, waterspouts possible later tonight into Wednesday.” – National Weather Service
 

December 21, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Dangerous conditions are forecast for tonight and tomorrow, as heavy thunderstorms are slated to move into our already water-soaked region, dropping 1-2 inches of rain per hour. Flash flood watches and warnings remain in effect across San Diego County.

 

Flash flooding is expected to continue in low-lying areas, as well as widespread urban flooding. Debris flows are also likely, with the most serious concerns locally Palomar Mountain and the 2007 Poomacha fire-burned areas.
 

Hail and gusty winds are also forecast. In addition, the NWS will be activating its Sky Warn system tomorrow in anticipation of possible tornadoes and waterspouts.
 

The National Weather Service reports that the five-day storm has thus far dropped nearly a foot of rain (11.83 inches) on Palomar Mountain. Other heavily soaked areas include Mt. Woodson (5.71 inches), Ramona (5.07), Fallbrook (4.93), Ramona (3.81), Descanso (4.75) and La Mesa (3.31).
 

Heavy rain, strong winds and the possibility of isolated thunderstorms are in the forecast tomorrow, prompting emergency officials to ask residents to be prepared and cautious.

Below are some tips to keep you safe as the storm approaches:
 

• Monitor local television and radio stations for flood warnings. The county is currently under a flood watch until tomorrow afternoon.
• Get the latest forecast details from the National Weather Service at www.nws.gov/sandiego.
• Know how to shut off electricity at the fuse panel and gas at the meter.
• Avoid downed power lines and broken glass.
• Never cross a flooded road, and do not attempt to go around a road closure sign.
• Get information about County of San Diego road closures at http://sdcdpw.org/emergency.
• Get free sandbags for your property from the County Department of Public Works and CAL FIRE at the following locations:
o Valley Center, CAL FIRE Station 73: 28205 N. Lake Wohlford Road
o Valley Center, CAL FIRE Station 70: 16971 Highway 76
o Julian, CAL FIRE Station 50: 1587 Highway 78
o Ramona, CAL FIRE Mount Woodson Station: 16310 Highway 67
o Fallbrook, North County Fire Protection District, Station 4: 4375 Pala Mesa Drive
o Dulzura, CAL FIRE Station 30: 17304 Highway 94
o Ramona, CAL FIRE Station 82, 3410 Dye Road
 

For additional information, visit www.ReadySanDiego.gov or call 211.

View a video by Dennis and Trever Richardson of people weathering the storm in East County: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ1HbX7Mk2Q

 


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