A flash flood watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for San Diego County. The watch will go into effect at midnight due to the expectation of heavy rain fall on Friday.
A strong storm out of the Pacific is expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall to the San Diego County area, creating the risk for flash flooding beginning early Friday morning and continuing through Saturday.
The National Weather Service predicts that there will be steady rain on Friday which will become quite heavy at times, turning into showers by Friday night. Thunderstorms are also expected, which can produce short bursts of heavy rain. When these bursts of heavier rain occur, it becomes more likely that flooding will occur in localized areas.
The greatest threat for flash flooding will be in mountainous areas and in areas of recent wildfires, where there can be flows of debris. Coastal and valley areas, especially those low-lying urban areas with poor drainage, are also at especially high risk.
The watch includes the San Diego County coastal areas, mountains and valleys. In addition, the following areas as covered by the watch: Orange County coastal, Riverside County mountains and valleys, San Bernardino County mountains and valleys, the Inland Empire, and the Santa Ana mountains and foothills.
The watch will be in effect until Saturday afternoon.
If flash flooding occurs, it may make low water crossings temporarily impassable. The National Weather Service warns that San Diego River in Mission Valley is at particular risk. They advise that people should not attempt to drive through flooded areas.
By Nancy Schimelpfening
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