Heavy rain from the first of what may be three storms has led the National Weather Service to issue a flood advisory for coastal San Diego County. It will be in effect at least through 10:45 a.m. Saturday. The rest of the country is under a flood watch through late Saturday night.
The region is experiencing the most intense portion of a Pacific storm that’s drawing extra moisture from the subtropics. Forecasters say that inland areas will receive the heaviest rain. But storm cells are dumping a lot of rain in many other areas, causing runoff and making freeways slick, especially Interstates 5 and 15.
Offshore water spouts are possible through 3 p.m., and thunderstorms could break out during the same period, the weather service said.
Winds have gusted to 22 mph at San Diego International Airport, but there have not been widespread delays or cancellations due to the weather.
Saturday’s racing card for Del Mar Race Track has been cancelled. Sea World San Diego remains open, but the precipitation could lead to the closure of some rides. The storm is not expected to lead to a delay in the football showdown between San Diego State University and Boise State, which is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. at Snapdragon Stadium in Mission Valley.
The rain will likely cause localized street flooding in and around the Fashion Valley Mall in Mission Valley.
Forecasters say a second storm could arrive on Monday followed by a third a couple of days later.
Rainfall totals during 2-day period ending at 9 a.m. Saturday:
Oceanside, 1.04 inches; San Onofre, 0.77; Carlsbad, 0.75 inches; Encinitas, 0.63 inches; San Diego International Airport, 0.55 inches; Kearny Mesa, 0.49 inches; Fashion Valley, 0.46 inches; Miramar, 0.44 inches; Chula Vista, 0.44 inches; North Island, 0.42 inches; Montgomery Field, 0.40 inches; Bonsall, 0.40 inches; San Marcos, 0.39 inches; National City, 0.38 inches; Point Loma, 0.35 inches; Valley Center, 0.35 inches; Vista, 0.33 inches; Santee, 0.32 inches; La Mesa, 0.31 inches; Brown Field, 0.24 inches; Escondido, 0.23 inches.
Help report the story
Readers are asked to help the Union-Tribune’s coverage of Saturday’s storm by letting us know what’s happening in their neighborhoods. E-mail Gary Robbins at gary.robbins@sduniontribune.com.