A powerful storm swept through San Diego County in late January 2024, bringing heavy rains and causing significant flooding in several communities. Here's a breakdown of the hardest-hit areas:

• Southeast San Diego: Neighborhoods including Encanto, Mountain View, Lincoln Park, and Southcrest were among the most severely impacted. Homes and businesses were inundated, and some residents had to be evacuated.
• Mission Valley: The San Diego River overflowed its banks, flooding parts of Mission Valley, including the Fashion Valley Mall and surrounding areas.
• Tijuana River Valley: The Tijuana River also swelled, causing flooding near the border and in surrounding communities.
• Coastal Areas: While not as severely affected as inland areas, coastal communities experienced some flooding, street closures, and erosion.

Factors Behind the Flooding

Several factors contributed to the widespread flooding in San Diego:

• Intense Rainfall: An unusual amount of rain fell within a short period, overwhelming drainage systems.
• Aging Infrastructure: Some areas of San Diego have older storm drains that couldn't handle the deluge.
• Clogged Waterways: Debris and vegetation in creeks and rivers, including Chollas Creek, worsened the flooding in certain neighborhoods.

The Aftermath

The flooding caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure in San Diego County. Cleanup and recovery efforts are ongoing, and officials warn that the risk of additional flooding remains a possibility during the rainy season.

Resources for Affected Residents:

• City of San Diego Storm Information: 
• County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services: https://www.readysandiego.org/
• Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/

Important: If you're in a flood-affected area, stay informed about weather alerts, evacuation orders, and safety guidelines from official sources.