San Diego, CA, January 1, 2026
San Diego County is experiencing a winter storm that brought heavy rain, potential thunderstorms, and increased flood risks as residents usher in the New Year. The storm is anticipated to last through Thursday morning, with forecasts indicating significant rainfall and localized flooding in various areas. City officials have activated the inclement weather shelter program and are urging residents to take precautions to ensure their safety while navigating the storm’s impacts, which include infrastructure disruptions and hazardous driving conditions.
San Diego County Confronts Heavy Rain and Flood Risks This New Year
San Diego, CA – A significant winter storm system has officially made its presence known in San Diego County on New Year’s Eve, bringing steady rain, potential thunderstorms, and heightened flood risks as residents celebrate the arrival of 2026.
Storm Details and Forecast
The forecast indicates that this storm is likely to persist through Thursday morning, with scattered showers potentially continuing into Friday and the weekend. Meteorologists warn of periods of heavy rainfall, isolated thunderstorms, and localized flooding. By the storm’s conclusion, parts of the county could see rainfall accumulation ranging from half an inch to over an inch, depending on both elevation and specific location.
Impact on Local Infrastructure
As of Wednesday morning, the storm has already caused significant disruptions, including the closure of a street in Coronado due to a large sinkhole. Residents are being urged to avoid affected areas. In addition, a semi-truck lost control on northbound Interstate 15 near the I-8 interchange around 1 p.m., leading to further traffic delays and disturbances.
City Preparations and Public Safety Measures
In light of the storm’s approach, the City of San Diego has activated its inclement weather shelter program, maximizing local shelter capacity at designated locations. Authorities advise community members to report storm-related issues, such as flooding or downed trees, through the Get It Done app or by calling the dedicated hotline. For emergencies that pose immediate danger to life, individuals are instructed to call 911.
Recommendations for Residents
With the wet weather now upon us, residents are encouraged to plan accordingly and take necessary safety precautions to navigate the storm effectively. These measures ensure not only personal safety but also community resilience in the face of unfavorable weather conditions.
Background Context
This storm arrives shortly after a similar weather pattern brought substantial rainfall to San Diego County on Christmas Eve, which saw forecasts predicting precipitation amounts reaching up to 3 inches. Such weather events, while challenging, also serve as a reminder of the importance of sound infrastructure and community preparedness.
Additional Information
For ongoing updates regarding the storm’s impacts and city-enforced safety measures, residents are advised to monitor local communications and news platforms diligently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the expected duration of the storm in San Diego County?
The storm is expected to persist through Thursday morning, with scattered showers potentially extending into Friday and the weekend.
How much rainfall is anticipated during this storm?
By the time the system exits the region, much of the county could see between a half-inch and more than an inch of rain, depending on elevation and location.
What safety measures has the City of San Diego implemented in response to the storm?
The City of San Diego has activated its inclement weather shelter program, providing additional shelter capacity at specific locations. Residents are encouraged to report storm-related issues, such as flooding or downed trees, using the Get It Done app or by calling 619-527-7500. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.
What should residents do to stay safe during the storm?
Residents are advised to plan ahead for the wet weather and take necessary precautions to stay safe during the storm.
Has San Diego experienced similar storms recently?
This storm follows a recent Pacific storm that brought rain to San Diego County on Christmas Eve, with forecasts predicting up to 3 inches of rain.
Key Features of the Storm
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | December 31, 2025, through Thursday morning, with possible scattered showers into Friday and the weekend. |
| Rainfall | Between a half-inch and more than an inch, depending on elevation and location. |
| Potential Hazards | Heavy rain, isolated thunderstorms, localized flooding, and infrastructure disruptions. |
| City Measures | Activation of inclement weather shelter program and monitoring of storm drains. Residents can report issues via the Get It Done app or by calling 619-527-7500. |
| Recommendations | Residents are advised to plan ahead for the wet weather and take necessary precautions to stay safe during the storm. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
