Encinitas receives nearly 2 inches of rain in 24-hour period

Atmospheric river unleashes severe weather on region

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Rain. (Pete Nowicki, Unsplash)

North Coast Current

Encinitas saw just under 2 inches of rain Feb. 13-14 as an atmospheric river of subtropical moisture blended with a colder northern system that drenched Southern California.

The significant rainfall flooded Lone Jack Road in Olivenhain, making it impassible and forcing its closure, the city of Encinitas announced. The city opened evacuation gates at Double LL Ranch through to Paseo Esmerado in Carlsbad.

San Diego Gas & Electric reported that power was out for about 3,700 customers just before 7 p.m. Thursday in parts of Cardiff and other areas of Encinitas and Olivenhain. SDG&E stated that power should be restored by 9:30 p.m. The utility’s outage map did not report the outage’s cause. (Updated at 7:30 p.m.)

The weather also led to the closure of most city sports fields (except the artificial turf soccer field at Leo Mullen Sports Park) and Maggie Houlihan Memorial Dog Park, according to updates from the city of Encinitas.

Rainfall totals were significant throughout North County, with Carlsbad receiving 2.30 inches of rain (recorded at Palomar Airport) and Oceanside receiving 3.32 inches. The totals were measured between 4 p.m. Wednesday and 4 p.m. Thursday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported.

NOAA also issued a Beach Hazard Statement for county beaches through 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, for surf reaching heights of 4 to 6 feet with sets to 7 feet Friday, increasing to 6 to 9 feet with sets to 11 feet on Saturday. The largest waves are expected to hit south of Encinitas.

The rain is expected to taper off Friday and Saturday with a slight chance of showers. More rain is expected Sunday and later next week.

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