San Diego, January 3, 2026
San Diego experienced significant flooding following a record-breaking rainstorm that brought over two inches of rain in a matter of hours. Streets in areas such as Mission Valley and Downtown San Diego were submerged, leading to travel disruptions and property damage. Flash flood warnings were issued as emergency services responded to assist affected residents. As intermittent rain showers and king tides are expected, residents are urged to stay safe and informed about changing weather conditions.
Flooding Hits San Diego After Record Rainstorm on New Year’s Day
San Diego, CA – On January 1, 2026, San Diego experienced one of its wettest days on record, with rainfall totals reaching over two inches in just a few hours. This amount of precipitation is equivalent to the city’s average rainfall for the entire month of January, leading to significant street flooding, property damage, and travel disruptions.
Immediate Aftermath: Flooding and Travel Disruptions
The intense rainstorm swept through San Diego early in the morning, leaving streets flooded within hours, making some areas impassable. In response, flash flood warnings were issued across the region, as emergency services worked tirelessly throughout the day to assist those affected by the rising water levels.
Locals reported that prominent areas such as Mission Valley, Downtown San Diego, and Hillcrest were submerged under several feet of water. Major roadways, including Interstate 5 and Interstate 805, saw traffic reduced to a crawl, with numerous vehicles stranded due to the rising floodwaters. Those traveling from San Diego International Airport faced delays and cancellations as the storm affected air traffic and airport operations.
Weather Forecast: On-and-Off Rain Showers and King Tides
As of January 3, 2026, San Diego weather is characterized by mostly cloudy conditions with a chance of light rain showers. The forecast indicates a high temperature around 66°F (19°C) and a low of 59°F (15°C). On Sunday, January 4, intermittent showers are expected, with breaks in the rain later in the day. Moreover, king tides are anticipated this weekend, posing a risk of coastal flooding. Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution near the shoreline during high tide periods.
Background Context: San Diego’s Climate and Rainfall
Typically, San Diego enjoys a mild and relatively dry climate, with January being the coldest month of the year. On average, daytime maximum temperatures hover around 66°F (19°C) while nighttime lows dip to around 45°F (7°C). Normally, January sees about 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rainfall over six days. The recent heavy rainfall is unusual for San Diego, where such intense storms are rare. This event highlights the changing weather patterns in California, suggesting that storms of this magnitude could be on the rise as climate dynamics continue to evolve.
Safety Precautions
Residents and visitors are urged to remain informed about weather conditions and to heed any flood warnings or advisories issued by local authorities. It is imperative to avoid driving through flooded areas, as even shallow water can lead to stalled vehicles. Additionally, keeping a safe distance from the shoreline during high tide periods is crucial to prevent potential flooding.
Conclusion
The record-breaking rainfall on New Year’s Day 2026 has led to notable flooding and disruptions across San Diego. With ongoing rain showers and the imminent return of king tides, it is essential for residents and visitors to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions for their safety.
FAQ
What caused the flooding in San Diego on January 1, 2026?
The flooding was caused by a record-breaking rainstorm that brought over two inches of rain in just a few hours, equivalent to the city’s average rainfall for the entire month of January.
What are king tides, and how do they affect San Diego?
King tides are exceptionally high tides that occur when the gravitational pull of the sun and moon align, leading to higher-than-normal sea levels. In San Diego, king tides can cause coastal flooding, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. Residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution near the shoreline during these high tide periods.
How can I stay safe during the ongoing rain and potential flooding?
Stay informed about weather conditions and heed any flood warnings or advisories issued by local authorities. Avoid driving through flooded areas, as even shallow water can cause vehicles to stall. Stay away from the shoreline during high tide periods to prevent potential flooding.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Record-breaking rainstorm on January 1, 2026 |
| Rainfall Amount | Over two inches in a few hours |
| Impact | Significant street flooding, property damage, travel disruptions |
| Weather Forecast | On-and-off rain showers and king tides expected this weekend |
| Safety Precautions | Avoid flooded areas, stay away from the shoreline during high tide periods |
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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.
