Late Winter Storm Brings Flooding And Power Outages To San Diego

Felix Dubois

5 min read

Post on May 30, 2025

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Extensive Flooding Across San Diego County

The relentless rainfall has resulted in extensive flooding across San Diego County. Numerous areas are experiencing significant flood damage, impacting both residential and commercial properties. The combination of heavy downpours and high tides has exacerbated the situation, causing severe coastal flooding in addition to inland flooding. This San Diego flooding is unlike anything seen in recent years.

• Numerous roads and freeways submerged: Major thoroughfares like the I-805 and I-15 have experienced significant flooding, leading to numerous road closures and extensive traffic delays. Many smaller roads throughout the county are also impassable due to high water.
• Significant flooding in low-lying areas and near coastal regions: Communities in low-lying areas, particularly near the coast, have been hardest hit. Areas like Mission Bay and Pacific Beach have experienced severe inundation, with many homes and businesses suffering significant water damage.
• Multiple residential areas experiencing basement flooding and water damage: Residents in numerous neighborhoods are dealing with flooded basements and significant water damage to their homes. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but early reports indicate substantial property loss.
• Evacuation orders issued in several vulnerable communities: Due to the severity of the flooding, evacuation orders have been issued in several vulnerable communities. Emergency services are working to assist those affected and ensure their safety.
• Miramar and Mission Valley severely impacted: These areas, known for their lower-lying areas, have reported some of the most severe flooding, with significant damage to infrastructure and homes.
• Official flood updates and resources: For the most up-to-date information on flooding and evacuation orders, please visit the official San Diego County website and the National Weather Service website for San Diego flood warnings.

Widespread Power Outages Impact Thousands

The ferocious winds and heavy rain have caused widespread power outages across San Diego County, leaving tens of thousands of homes and businesses without electricity. This San Diego power outage is impacting essential services and disrupting daily life for many residents.

• Tens of thousands of homes and businesses without power: SDG&E, the primary electricity provider for the region, is reporting widespread outages affecting a large percentage of the county's population.
• Estimated restoration times vary by area: SDG&E is working diligently to restore power, but restoration times vary considerably depending on the extent of the damage in each area. Check their outage map for specific updates for your region.
• SDG&E's response and repair efforts: SDG&E has deployed numerous crews to repair downed power lines and restore service as quickly and safely as possible. However, the scale of the damage is significant and repairs will take considerable time.
• Safety tips for dealing with power outages: Remember to take precautions during a power outage. Avoid using candles, and use battery-powered flashlights instead. Never operate a generator indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• SDG&E outage map and reporting system: Report your power outage and monitor restoration progress using the SDG&E outage map and reporting system available on their website.
• Causes of outages: The primary causes of the San Diego power outages are fallen trees and downed power lines caused by the strong winds.

Significant Storm Damage and Property Loss

Beyond flooding and power outages, the San Diego storm has caused significant storm damage and property loss across the county. High winds, heavy rainfall, and falling trees have contributed to widespread destruction.

• Fallen trees and significant wind damage: Numerous trees have fallen across roads and onto homes and buildings. Significant wind damage has been reported across the region, with many structures sustaining damage to roofs and siding.
• Damage to infrastructure: The storm has caused damage to roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure. Repairs are likely to be extensive and costly.
• Injuries and casualties: While the full extent is still being assessed, there have been reports of injuries related to the storm, including injuries from falling trees and flooding.
• Impact on local businesses and the economy: The storm's impact on local businesses is substantial, with many forced to close due to power outages, flooding, or damage to their premises.
• Insurance claims and disaster relief: Residents and business owners should contact their insurance providers to file claims for damage. Information on disaster relief programs and assistance will be available through local and state government agencies.
• Resources for reporting damage and accessing assistance: The city and county of San Diego websites provide resources for reporting damage and accessing assistance programs.

Impact on Transportation and Public Services

The severe weather has significantly impacted transportation and public services in San Diego. The combination of flooding and road closures has caused widespread disruption.

• Road closures and traffic delays: Numerous roads and freeways remain closed due to flooding and debris. This has resulted in significant traffic delays and congestion across the county.
• Disruptions to public transportation: Public transportation services, including buses and trolleys, have experienced significant disruptions due to flooding and road closures.
• Delays and cancellations at San Diego International Airport (SAN): The storm has caused delays and cancellations at San Diego International Airport (SAN), impacting air travel for many.

Conclusion

The late winter storm that hit San Diego has caused widespread devastation, leading to significant flooding, extensive power outages, and substantial property damage. The impact on residents, businesses, and infrastructure is substantial, and recovery efforts are expected to take time. Stay informed about the ongoing situation by checking official city and county websites for updates on the San Diego storm, flooding, and power outages. Report any damage to your property and be aware of safety precautions during this period of recovery. For the latest information on the impact of this unprecedented San Diego winter storm, continue to check back for updates.