So far, San Diego County was mostly spared from the storm that barreled into California over the weekend. But rescue teams are still on high alert.
An intense, long-lasting atmospheric river is moving across California, impacting millions of people. The storm unleashed record rainfall on Los Angeles as it made its way south to San Diego. As KPBS reporter Jacob Aere shows us how North County was the first to feel the effects.
A severe storm has already hit Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Orange counties and made its way into San Diego county. The wet and windy weather is coming down from the north, so local areas likely to get the hardest hit are in North County — like Oceanside and Fallbrook. “We've not only had a lot of response from our specialized teams like our water rescues, but also our hand crews and our fire engines just helping with preparedness for the public. Sandbagging, helping people with flooding situations,” saidCal Fire Capt. Mark Bales chats with a crew member in front of a specialized swiftwater rescue vehicle, Feb. 5, 2024. He said Two Cal Fire teams — including one in Jamul and another at San Diego Del Dios Fire Station 77 — are ready for swift water rescues.The Fire Captain said the last few weeks have been busy across the county, and they’re on high alert. “Any of our city areas like Escondido that has their large flood control channel that comes from the foothills all the way down through Harmony Grove and Elfin Forest — that's a big target hazard, we've had rescues there in the past,” he said.The flood-prone State Route 78 experienced storm-related issues that caused some closures and detours on Monday. The incoming heavier rains could make travel difficult on other local freeways as well.“In particular for 78, one of the biggest problems is there's a creek that runs parallel to the freeway,” saidChief Deputy Karen Jewel. “When that creek raised up its water level from all the rains, our drain into that creek and that water just backed up.”Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Southern California counties due to the storm, including San Diego.The San Diego County advises people to not drive through flooded roadways. They say drivers should turn around and find an alternative route in order to remain safe. The National Weather service said San Diego County will see the highest rain and flooding impacts Monday night into Tuesday morning.As a general assignment reporter, I report on a wide range of different issues that affect the diverse neighborhoods of San Diego County including business, health, arts & culture and politics.Heavy rain arrives, worst of storm for San Diego Monday night through TuesdayKPBS News: Public Safety Policy KPBS has created a public safety coverage policy to guide decisions on what stories we prioritize, as well as whose narratives we need to include to tell complete stories that best serve our audiences. This policy was shaped through months of training with the Poynter Institute and feedback from the community. You can read the full policy here.
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