Pacific storm could affect flight operations Monday at San Diego International Airport
San Diego County is bracing for a powerful Pacific storm that forecasters say will bring strong southerly winds, heavy rain, mountain snow and elevated surf beginning early Monday. The system is expected to produce gusts that could disrupt flights at San Diego International Airport, elevate river heights and lead to localized flooding and beach erosion.
What to expect Monday through Wednesday
The storm is forecast to arrive in two main pulses. The first wave is expected in the early afternoon Monday ET and could last through nightfall, with a second pulse arriving late Tuesday night into Wednesday ET. Sporadic showers may linger into Thursday ET.
Wind gusts will be a primary concern. Forecasters project gusts up to 49 mph in Mount Laguna, 47 mph in Borrego Springs, 40 mph in Campo, 36 mph in Alpine and Mira Mesa, and 35 mph in Oceanside. Gusts out of the south will blow across the airport’s single east–west runway, increasing the potential for flight disruptions and ground-operation challenges.
Rainfall totals for the Monday-through-Wednesday period are expected to vary across the county: roughly 1 to 1. 5 inches in central San Diego, 1. 5 inches in Oceanside and El Cajon, 1. 5 to 2 inches in Escondido, and higher totals in the mountains — Mount Laguna could see 2 to 2. 5 inches, Julian 2. 5 to 3 inches, and Palomar Mountain 3 to 4 inches. With these amounts, urban street flooding and ponding are possible, particularly in low-lying corridors.
Impacts on travel, coast and rivers
Flight operations at San Diego International Airport may be affected Monday ET by strong crosswinds and heavy rain. Travelers should expect delays and possible cancellations as airlines and airport operations adjust to gusty conditions across the single runway.
Coastal impacts include elevated surf and dangerous rip currents. Projected wave heights have jumped, with some beaches potentially seeing 8- to 12-foot surf. Beach erosion is possible along exposed shorelines, and recreational ocean users should avoid entering the water during the advisory period, which goes into effect at 1 p. m. Monday ET and continues through 7 a. m. Thursday ET.
River levels will also rise. The San Diego River in Mission Valley is projected to climb from about 2. 7 feet early Monday ET to roughly 7. 8 feet by 2 p. m. Tuesday ET, a rise that could cause minor flooding near commercial corridors and other low-lying locations. Officials will monitor river gauges and may close roads if needed.
Mountain communities should prepare for winter weather. Snow totals are expected to include 4 to 6 inches at Mount Laguna and 2 to 4 inches at Palomar Mountain, with higher-elevation locations possibly seeing more. Snow levels are forecast to fall through midweek, at times dropping to near 3, 000 feet, which could affect mountain passes and portions of Interstate 8 east of Alpine.
Preparedness and safety guidance
Residents and visitors should take common-sense precautions: secure outdoor furniture and loose items, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy wind and rain, and steer clear of flood-prone streets. Those living or working near rivers and arroyos should be alert to rising water and ready to move to higher ground if conditions deteriorate.
Motorists should slow down on wet roads and watch for standing water. Travelers planning mountain trips should carry chains or other traction devices and check conditions before driving; even modest snow accumulations can make routes slick. Beachgoers should heed advisories and avoid entering the surf during high-surf and rip-current conditions.
Local authorities will monitor drains, waterways and critical infrastructure throughout the storm and will make route closures or other safety moves as necessary. Sandbags may be made available at local distribution points; residents are encouraged to obtain and fill their own sandbags if they live in flood-prone areas.
With gusty winds, heavy rain and significant surf expected, communities across the county should prepare now and stay alert for updates through the week.
