North San Diego County can expect to start February off with another round of rain following last week’s severe storm, according to the National Weather Service.
Cities and regional agencies urged residents to prepare as the storm was expected to arrive by early Thursday, bringing with it moderate to heaving rain and high winds for the day. More rain is expected for the weekend.
Forecasters predict that anywhere from 1 to 2 inches of rain could fall in North County between Thursday and Friday.
Coastal communities can expect southerly winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph on Thursday, while inland communities could experience southeasterly winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph, forecasters reported. A gale warning is also posted for coastal waters.
A high surf advisory is in effect for the San Diego County coastline, with large breaking waves of 5 to 8 feet with sets to 10 feet, and 4 to 7 feet and sets to 9 feet in Orange County.
“Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible,” forecasters stated in their advisories. “A strong Pacific storm will bring widespread moderate to locally heavy rainfall on Thursday with showers continuing into Thursday night.The flood threat will be below the snow level which will rise to 7000 to 7500 feet Thursday.”
In Encinitas, which experienced significant flooding in Leucadia last week, city officials stated that pumps would be located at Leucadia Roadside Park, Europa Street Alley, Fulvia Street and Orpheus Avenue. Crews have also been cleaning the basin at Ocean Cove Drive, the San Elijo Lagoon outfall, and the storm drain system along the Ocean Cove Drive basin.
Oceanside has also been preparing for the storm by clearing storm drains and channels.
“We’ll be out checking for flooding during storm periods and have equipment and barricades ready in case any road closures are temporarily needed,” the city stated in an update. “Another team is standing by and ready to handle any downed trees or limbs in public streets.”
The Oceanside Police Department recommended that residents and businesses sign up for Ready Oceanside emergency notifications by texting “Oceanside” to the number 67283.
Power utility SDG&E was also preparing for the storm and asked customers to do the same.
“In anticipation of the forecasted wind and rain, SDG&E is increasing the number of field crews and equipment available to restore power as quickly and safely as possible should power outages occur,” SDG&E stated in a news release. “The company’s meteorology team is also monitoring weather conditions minute-by-minute to help provide situational awareness to front-line crews working to maintain the infrastructure that serves the region.”
Some city governments were offering limited numbers of sandbags for residents:
✔ Encinitas: The Public Works Department provides city residents with a limited number of sandbags each year. Residents with significant need may self-load up to 10 sandbags, while supplies last, from the Public Works Department at 160 Calle Magdalena.
✔ Carlsbad: Fire stations 3, 4 and 6 have a limited supply of unfilled sandbags.
✔ Oceanside: Residents can pick up sand and 10 free sandbags (self-service; bring a shovel) at Moody’s El Corazon Recycling, 3210 Oceanside Blvd.
✔ San Marcos: Self-service sandbags can be filled and picked up at the southwest corner of the city’s Public Works Division parking lot, 201 Mata Way. There is a maximum of 20 bags per household.
✔ Vista: Free unfilled sandbags (10 per household) are available to Vista residents with proof of residency. They are available for pickup at the city’s Public Works facility, 1165 E. Taylor St., Building A, Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (closed Friday, Feb. 2).
San Diego County’s Alert San Diego platform also provides updates and tips for storm preparedness and management.