Life-Threatening Flash Floods Threaten Thousands In Southern California

Thousands of people in the San Diego, California, forecast area are at risk of "life-threatening" flash floods for the next several hours. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued urgent warnings as thunderstorms producing heavy rainfall rates move into the vicinity of the Line Fire, a significant wildfire currently raging in San Bernardino County. While the storms themselves are not deemed particularly severe, they have caused rainfall rates between half an inch and .75 inches, raising concerns about flash flooding in burn scar areas.

According to NWS meteorologist Sam Zuber, these thunderstorms were triggered by a low-pressure system passing through the area. Meteorologists at the NWS San Diego office issued the flash flood warning at 2:17 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time, with expectations for it to remain in effect until 5:30 p.m. PDT. Residents and travelers are urged to stay alert and take necessary precautions.

As the heavy storms continue to produce dangerous rain levels, it is essential for those in the affected areas to be aware of the potential for flooding. The NWS has stated that Doppler radar indicates ongoing thunderstorms producing significant rain across the warned zones. Flash flooding is currently happening or expected to start shortly, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Doppler radar has indicated that thunderstorms are producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.25 and 1 inch of rain has already fallen, with additional rainfall amounts of 0.25 to 1.25 inches being possible. The flash flooding warning states that flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

The flash flooding is considered "life-threatening," with anticipated floods occurring in various locations such as creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses. Areas most likely to experience flash floods include San Bernardino, Redlands, Yucaipa, Highland, Running Springs, and several highways in the region. It is crucial for residents to stay informed and heed local advisories.

Meteorologists are stressing the importance of safety during this weather event. They urge motorists in the area to turn around when encountering flooded roadways, as most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles. The alert warns that moving away from recently burned areas is vital, as life-threatening flooding of creeks, roads, and normally dry arroyos is likely.

Moreover, the heavy rains could trigger rockslides, mudslides, and debris flows in steep terrain, particularly in and around areas affected by wildfires. The potential damage from these floods is expected to be significant, with concerns about debris flows from burn scars, where the soil struggles to absorb water effectively.

The Line Fire, which ignited on September 5 near the San Bernardino National Forest, has grown to more than 39,000 acres and is currently 53 percent contained. This blaze has put countless structures at risk, including both single- and multi-family homes, along with commercial buildings. As the storms continue, the danger of flash flooding remains a critical issue for those living in and traveling through the affected areas.