San Diego flooding

COUNTY EXTENDS EMERGENCY TEMPORARY LODGING PROGRAM FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

East County News Service

March 16, 2024 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to extend the Emergency Temporary Lodging Program.

The program, which was launched on Feb. 10, has provided safe and secure lodging for more than 840 families who were displaced by flooding from the Jan. 22 storm. 

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COUNTY AUTHORIZES EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO STORM DRAINS IN FLOODED EAST COUNTY COMMUNITIES

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Storm drain, San Diego County Dept. of Public Works

March 13, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – County Supervisors, at a Flood Control District meeting today, approved continuation of storm drain emergency repairs in several unincorporated communities, following catastrophic flooding on January 22 that overwhelmed county stormwater drains.


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COUNTY ANNOUNCES RENTER PROTECTIONS FOR FLOOD VICTIMS IN LEMON GROVE, SPRING VALLEY, CORONADO AND SOME SAN DIEGO ZIP CODES

Source: County News Service

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

February 3, 2023 (San Diego) --  The San Diego County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 30, 2024, took new actions to help people in communities flooded by the Jan. 22, 2024, torrential rains, including putting into place temporary additional tenant protection measures. The approved ordinance prohibits people who were affected by the floods from being evicted without just cause. The ordinance also restricts certain rent increases on eligible properties from January 22, 2024, to March 30, 2024.

The flood affected areas specified in the ordinance include residential units located in the following ZIP codes: 92102, 92104, 92105, 92111, 92113, 92114, 92115, (San Diego); 91977 (Spring Valley); 91950 (National City);91945 (Lemon Grove); and 92118 (Coronado).


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EXTREME FLOODING IN ENCANTO

 

January 23, 2024 (Encanto) --Genevieve Jones-Wright, a San Diego mayoral candidate, sent in this video of extreme flooding in her east San Diego community of Encanto yesterday.


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READER’S EDITORIAL: LEASE REVENUE BOND IS NEEDED TO ADDRESS SAN DIEGO'S DEFERRED MAINTENANCE QUICKLY BEFORE NEXT MAJOR STORM

By Shane Harris, president,  People’s Association of Justic Advocates

Photo via National Weather Service:  flooding today in Mission Valley

January 22, 2024 (San Diego,CA ) -- The imagery of our city under water is deeply troubling but the out of sight out of mind approach by the Mayor is even more appalling. This is a time when leaders should be out helping the most vulnerable such as our seniors and unsheltered. I wanted to call attention to the reason that so many across San Diego are experiencing flooding today and the reason this happens every time San Diego experiences heavy rain.

Perhaps many have all heard about the City of San Diego’s substantial deferral of major infrastructure upgrades, such as street repairs, but this is yet another example that impacts most of us in a dramatic way every time it rains and requires both immediate and long term commitment from our Mayor and City Council to rectify.


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STORM WREAKS HAVOC ACROSS REGION

By Miriam Raftery

Updated January 23, 2024 to include city and county of San Diego declaring an emergency

January 22, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – Heavy rains during today’s storm caused widespread flooding, road closures, power outages, and inundation of vehicles and structures including an East County school. Flooding also prompted numerous rescues including motorists trapped in vehicles in Spring Valley and Lemon Grove, as well as homeless people stranded by rising waters along the San Diego River in Santee.

Richard Attaway took dramatic  photos  (left) of Mission Gorge Road in Santee just east of  Carlton Hills Boulevard, where he said “there are homeless clinging on trees for their lives in the river bed.” One video showed a woman stranded on an island surrounded by swift-flowing currents. Numerous emergency crews were on hand and at least one person was rescued from the floodwaters.


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FLOODING, MUDSLIDES, AND HIGH WINDS ROCK COUNTY

By Miriam Raftery

January 16, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – Flood watches and warnings are in effect across San Diego County this morning.

Multiple roadways across our region are flooded, with others blocked by mudslides, rocks and debris:

  • Wildcat Canyon Rd. in Lakeside is blocked by a mudslide/rockslide in the 3000 block. Avoid area.
  • Lower Honey Springs Rd. in Jamul is flooded at the dip. Do not attempt to cross.
  • Highway 94 from 188 to Barrett lake road was closed due to a large bolder blocking both lanes. It's now reopened at 188, with opening at Barrett and near Otay Lakes pending.
  • A boulder and debris are blocking Fuerte Drive at Lemon Ave. on Mt. Helix.
  • Rock slides are blocking State Route 78 at Wynola Rd. near Julian.
  • Boulders are across the roadway at State Route 78 and Chihuhua Rd. near Warner Springs.
  • A wind advisory has been issued on I-8 east of Tavern Rd. in Alpine to the Imperial County line.
  • The National Weather Service warns to avoid the San Diego River area through Mission Valley and Fashion Valley, which surpassed flood stage this morning as 12.8 feet and is forecast to reach 13.2 feet this afternoon. Roads to avoid include Fashion Valley Rd., Avenida Del Rio, Camio Del Este, Camino Del La Reina and Mission Center Rd. Fashion Valley transit center is closed.
  • A swiftwater rescue was conducted this morning along Otay Lakes Rd. due to flooding.

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FLOOD ADVISORY THROUGH 7 PM

January 9, 2018, 4:30 p.m. -- The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued an Areal Flood Advisory for San Diego County until 7:00 PM.

Doppler radar indicated moderate to heavy rain moving through San Diego County, especially the northwestern sections. This will likely cause urban and small stream flooding in the advisory area from the mountains west to the coast. Rainfall rates of up to one-half inch per hour could locally occur.

Some locations that will likely experience flooding include Chula Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, El Cajon, Vista, Encinitas, National City, La Mesa, Poway, portions of the San Diego city limits, North Park, Hillcrest and Midway District Including Lindbergh Field.


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FLOODING, CRASHES AND DEBRIS ON ROADWAYS

 

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

January 9, 2018 (9:45 a.m.) There are multiple hazards to report this morning per the CHP on East County roadways, including:

  • Lemoncrest in Lakeside is closed  from Wintergarden Blvd. to Riverview due to flooding in the 12028 block.
  • A high-wind advisory is in effect for I-8 east of Alpine and high-profile vehicles are not advised to travel here.
  • Mapleview at Pine in Lakeside is also flooded.
  • Debris is reported on I-8 west of the Sweetwater bridge in spring Valley.
  • In Ramona, there is roadway flooding at Hanson Lane and Wilson
  • A rockslide has been reported on Japatul Road with large boulders the size of deer; CHP is working to determine exact location of this slide called in.
  • A boulder half the size of a tire is reported in the left lane of Arnold Way at Tavern Road in Alpine.
  • A multi-car accident has occurred on I-8 west at Fletcher Parkway.

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EXTREME FLOODING SOAKS REGION

 

 

Report rock slides, boulders or other dangerous road conditions to the County Operations Emegency Call Center (858)565-5262. Help save lives!

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Christina Dahners-Johnson:  Seasonal creek behind Lyons Valley Trading Post in Jamul had been dry for at least seven years before this storm.

February 27, 2017 (San Diego) – Flooding is wreaking havoc on rural roads and highways countywide.  In Mission Valley, the San Diego River has water cresting among the top 10 levels on record, with the ballfield at Petco Park and some parking garages currently submerged.

George Barnett, a member of the Alpine Community Planning Group, posted in the Ranter’s Roost forum, “ It’s raining like hell in Alpine…Viejas Creek is way outside   its normal channel and Via Viejas into the old ranch area is closed with the dam well over-flowing.  To my eye, on a dark and cloudy day, more water is coming down the creek than I recall seeing in maybe 10 years.”


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PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

 

 

East County News Service

January 9, 2016 (San Diego)—San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk Ernie Dronenburg wishes to advise all property owners whose property was damaged or destroyed during the recent flooding that property tax relief is available. This tax relief program requires the reassessment of the property to reflect its damaged condition.

The reduced value will remain in effect until such time as the property is rebuilt or repaired. More importantly, after the property is rebuilt or repaired, the owners can retain their previous taxable value if the property is rebuilt in a like or similar manner. This means that the property tax assessment will not increase beyond what it was prior to the flooding.


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: A RIVER RAN THROUGH JAMUL—BUT HIGHWAY STAYED OPEN

 

Photo, left, by Jodie LaRosh, reposted with permission from the JAC

January 7, 2016 (Jamul) –Jodie LaRosh came upon this surreal scene this morning at 7 a.m. at State Route 94.  At a dip in the road near Jamul Estates, rainfall had created a river flooding the road. 

At 8:02 a.m., CHP asked for Caltrans to shut down the roadway. A t 8:27 CHP observed that “water is getting pretty deep” and again asked for a shutdown at Honey Springs and 94.  But at 8:41 a.m., inexplicably, CHP posted,  “SR 94 will remain open –there is a foot of water crossing from the creek.” Signs were posted to alert motorists.


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JAMUL AREA FLOODING AND ROAD CLOSURE

 

 

East County News Service

Jaunary 7, 2016 (Jamul) --Honey Springs Road will be shut down all night due to power lines downed by vehicle that struck a power pole this evening, while awaiting SDG&E repairs, the CHP website indicates. A SIG Alert has been issued.

Highway 94 had substantial flooding this afternoon, reaching 30 feet wide in places and up to two feet deep, by some estimates..

Ronnie Durfee sent in video including this still shot of the dip between Rancho Jamul and Melody Lane.


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SAN DIEGO RIVER EXPECTED TO REACH FLOOD STAGE TONIGHT

 

Flooding and boulders also block roadways in East County; snow impedes travel in mountains

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Ward Road in Mission Valley, courtesy of San Diego Lifeguards

January 6, 2016 (San Diego) – With yet another storm set to hit tonight, the San Diego River is expected to reach flood stage (11.5 feet) tonight, cresting in the pre-dawn hours.  The National Weather Service reports the river level has risen five feet in the past 24 hours to nearly 8 feet..  Major roads crossing the river in Mission Valley are closed and underwater including Fashion Valley Road, Avenida del Rio, Camino del Este, Camino de la Reina and Mission Center Road.  The San Diego Mission del Alcala church has flooded, as has the parking lot at Fashion Valley mall.

In East County, snow levels could dip down to 4,000 feet tonight, including the Julian area.  Chains are currently required on Mount Laguna/Sunrise Highway from State Route 79 to Highway 8.  There are also numerous closed or obstructed roadways:


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APARTMENTS UNDERWATER IN CITY HEIGHTS; DOG DIES IN FLOOD

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 5, 2016 (City Heights) – Floodwaters from tonight’s deluge have left four apartments underwater, also submerging vehicles at 48th and El Cajon Blvd. in City Heights.

Resident Jonathan Goetz says that “at least six feet of water”  have inundated downstairs units. “Dude, my car is underwater!” he posted on his Facebook page. 

His photos document the drama in real life as a woman rescues her dog, Cha-Cha, cradling her pet in her arms. Another man searched frantically for his missing chihuahua  Nacho, hip-high in the swiftly rising floodwaters. Goetz reports that Nacho was found dead in a bedroom.


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FLOODING IN EAST COUNTY: AVOID THESE ROADWAYS

 

East County News Service

January 5, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) 6:15 p.m.– A flood watch has been upgraded to a flood warning, meaning flooding is occurring in our region. Here are updates on roadways reported flooded within the past hour in El Cajon, La Mesa, Crest,  and San Diego.  If you know of other hazards spots please post in our comments section.

Here are flodoed conditions reported in the last hour or so:


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STORM WALLOPS REGION: TRAPS 20 CARS IN FLOODWATERS

 

By Miriam Raftery

November 4, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) –Last night’s storm brought lightning, thunder and heavy rains across Southern California, bringing welcome relief from drought but wreaking havoc on area highways.  All lanes flooded on State Route 94 near the College exit and vehicles exiting on Federal Blvd. quickly became stuck in rising floodwaters  reportedly up to the hoods – sending some cars afloat, necessitating rescues. ECM news partner 10 News has video shot by one motorist trapped in flooding: http://www.10news.com/news/video-san-diego-couple-trapped-in-floating-car .

The deluge last night fell on already rain-soaked areas from lighter showers earlier in the day. By 1 p.m., over an inch of rain had already fallen in Lemon Grove and many mountain areas, with 1.39 inches recorded at the Pine Hills area near Julian.


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STATE PROCLAIMS EMERGENCY IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY

San Diego Joins List of Counties Eligible for State Aid Because of Winter Storms

December 24, 2010 (San Diego)--Acting California Gov. Abel Maldonado proclaimed an official state of emergency in San Diego County Friday because of the recent winter storms, making the County eligible for state aid.


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EAST COUNTY RESIDENTS COPE WITH FLOODING AND STORM DAMAGE

 

Story and photos by Miriam Raftery
December 22, 2010 (San Diego’s East County)4:30 p.m.-- In Blossom Valley, one property owner found a creative place to shelter her horses during the storm.

 

“My horses were up to their knees this morning, so the net came down and the hay went in,” said Catherine Sacks in an e-mail sent to East County Magazine, along with the photo at left. “Tennis anyone?”

 

On Fletcher Parkway, a mud slide is currently blocking two lanes on the hill heading east down to El Cajon. Meanwhile in Alpine, Via Viejas Road is flooding as Viejas Creek has over-flowed a small dam at the Little Lake in Palo Verde Ranch, reports resident George Barnett.


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MAJOR FLOODING IN MISSION VALLEY

December 22, 2010 (San Diego) 2 pm.--Over 1,000 people are being evacuated by life guards from the Handlery Hotel and the Archstone Apartments in Mission Valley after the San Diego River overflowed its banks, Incident Page Network reports. Qualcomm Stadium’s field and parking lot are also flooded, though organizers say tomorrow’s Poinsettia Bowl will be played.


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LUCKY DOGS: 2 PETS SAVED FROM FLOODED VEHICLE BY CAL-FIRE RESCUERS

 

December 21, 2010 (Valley Center) – A truck attempting to cross a flooded creek stalled and was swept sideways downstream in swift-flowing water at the same spot where an earlier rescue was made yesterday. At 3:37 p.m. today, Cal Fire and the Valley Center Fire Department responded and found two dogs trapped in the vehicle.


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FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE 2 TRAPPED IN STREAM

 

January 21, 2010 (Valley Center) – Two people have been rescued from a Toyota four runner that became stuck after the driver attempted to cross a stream and water began flowing inside the vehicle.

 


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