USA – Floods in California Prompt Dramatic Rescues in San Diego

by in News, USA

Dozens of people had to be rescued from flash floods in San Diego on 22 January 2024 after record rainfall in Southern California. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria declared a state of emergency in the city.

Flood damage in San Diego, California, USA, on 22 January 2024. Photo:  D Eddy, SDFD

In a statement of 22 January, 2024, city officials said:

“The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department swift water rescue team is responding to multiple locations along the San Diego River, central parts of the city, low-lying areas near the coast and the Tijuana River Valley. Hundreds of people have been rescued from homes and flooded areas. The City asks residents to stay off the roads if you don’t need to travel.”

Floodwaters raced through areas of the city, sweeping away vehicles and damaging roads. Photos provided by the City of San Diego Fire and Rescue department showed vehicles piled on top of each other in areas around Beta Street in the city.

Roads were closed in over 70 locations, according to city data including stretches of Interstate 15.

San Diego City fire department said it carried out at least 24 high water rescues in areas close to the overflowing San Diego and Tijuana rivers, including around 8 migrants who were rescued from floods in San Ysidro.

“I’m proud of our City’s first responders who have been working tirelessly to respond to storm related emergencies across San Diego. Thank you City workers!” the San Diego Mayor said.

Homes were reportedly flooding in Spring Valley, Mountain View, Shelltown and Southcrest neighbourhoods. Flooding was so severe in the Spring Valley area that some residents had to be rescued from their homes by first responders, while others managed to escape by wading through waist-high water.

In response to the flooding, the American Red Cross Southern California Region said it had opened shelters in San Diego, El Cajon and Coronado, where volunteers were available to assist those displaced with shelter, food and more. The City of San Diego also opened a temporary evacuation facility, at the Golden Hill Recreation Center.

Heavy rain and storms also impacted areas further north in the state. An evacuation warning was issued for residents in the Owen Fire burn area of Topanga Canyon in Los Angeles County due to a possible mud or debris flow caused by the heavy rain falling on burn scars.

Storms triggered flooding in parts of the Bay Area and Northern California. Residents of Guerneville in Sonoma County were told to prepare to evacuate due to a flood threat from rising levels in small creeks and streams in northern areas of the community. Flooding also occurred in Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz County where multiple vehicles and a bridge were damaged. A minor landslide damaged a road in Burlingame, San Mateo County.

Heavy rain had previously caused damage and flash flooding in Humboldt County where residents were left isolated and without electricity in after the Mad River broke its banks on 15 January. At least one house was destroyed.

Flood damage in San Diego, California, USA, on 22 January 2024 – D Eddy SDFD

Rainfall and Rivers

The National Weather Service (NWS) San Diego reported that the city recorded 2.70 inches (68.58 mm) of rain in around 20 hours during the storm on 22 January. This is a record high for the day of 22 January, beating the previous high of 1.53 inches (38.86 mm) set in 1967. San Diego usually sees only 2 inches (50..8 mm) of rain for the entire month of January.

Daily rainfall records were also broken in Oceanside Harbor, Vista, Chula Vista Ramona, Alpine, El Cajon, Campo and Thermal.

According to NWS Dan Diego data, the San Diego River at Fashion Valley exceed Minor Flood stage on 22 January 2024. Levels didn’t reach as high as during the flash floods of 2017.

San Diego River at Fashion Valley. Image: NWS San Diego

State of Emergency in San Diego

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria declared a state of emergency in the City of San Diego due to extreme rainfall and flash flooding.

The County of San Diego also proclaimed a local emergency in anticipation that resources and assistance from the state and federal government may be needed because of damage caused by flooding. A local proclamation communicates to the state that the County is anticipating significant impacts to both public and private property.

“County residents are recovering from serious impacts from this storm. Some areas of the County received several inches of rain in a short period of time, flooding streets, damaging homes, and businesses,” said Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas. “We urge everyone to register for AlertSanDiego.org and download the SD Emergency mobile app to receive emergency notifications, updates, and preparedness information, like a personal disaster plan and go-kit in case of evacuation.”

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