San Diego is in for a stormy night, with heavy rain, flash flooding risks, and strong winds expected to hit the region late Thursday into early Friday. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for most of the county, warning that intense downpours could quickly overwhelm roads and low-lying areas.
The worst of the storm is expected between 8 PM and 11 PM, with rainfall rates of up to three-quarters of an inch per hour—enough to create dangerous flooding in urban areas. Coastal residents also need to watch out for rough surf and strong rip currents, while those in the mountains and deserts will be dealing with damaging winds up to 65 mph.
Current Conditions in San Diego
Right now, San Diego is cloudy and mild, with temperatures around 60°F (16°C). It might feel calm now, but don’t be fooled—conditions are going to take a sharp turn for the worse later tonight.
Storm Timeline—When Will the Worst Hit?
The next 48 hours will bring significant rain, strong winds, and hazardous coastal conditions:
- Thursday Night: The most intense rain hits between 8 PM and 11 PM. Expect heavy downpours, flooded streets, and dangerous driving conditions.
- Friday, February 14: The storm starts to ease up, but scattered showers will linger in the morning. Highs will be 62°F (17°C), with overnight temperatures dropping to 47°F (8°C).
- Saturday, February 15: The rain clears, but strong winds stick around, especially in the mountains and deserts. Highs will stay in the low 60s°F (16°C).
What Makes This Storm So Dangerous?
This isn’t just a normal rainy day in San Diego. Several serious threats could impact residents:
-  Flooding: San Diego’s roads aren’t designed to handle this much rain at once. Low-lying areas, underpasses, and poorly drained streets could flood quickly. If you see standing water, don’t drive through it—it could be deeper than it looks!
- Â Strong Winds: Coastal areas could see gusts up to 30 mph, while mountain and desert regions could face powerful 65 mph winds, strong enough to knock down trees and power lines.
-  Dangerous Surf & Rip Currents: The ocean will get rough as waves reach 7 to 10 feet. If you were planning to surf or swim—don’t! Health officials also advise staying out of the water for 72 hours after the storm due to bacteria and pollution runoff.
What You Need to Do to Stay Safe
If you haven’t prepared yet, now is the time. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Avoid Flooded Streets: Even six inches of fast-moving water can knock you over, and one foot of water can sweep away a car. If you see water covering the road, turn around—don’t risk it!
- Secure Outdoor Items: Patio furniture, trash cans, and decorations could become flying debris in strong winds. Bring them inside or tie them down.
- Stay Off the Beaches: High surf and rip currents will make ocean conditions extremely dangerous. Wait at least three days before heading back into the water due to potential bacteria runoff.
- Prepare for Power Outages: Charge your devices, have flashlights and extra batteries ready, and make sure you have emergency supplies in case of an outage.
- Check Local Updates: Stay informed with weather alerts from the National Weather Service and local news stations. The situation can change quickly, and new warnings may be issued.
Final Warning—Don’t Underestimate This Storm
San Diego doesn’t often see storms like this, but when they do hit, they can cause major problems. The combination of heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds makes this a serious weather event that could impact travel, power, and safety.
