Flash Flood — San Diego, California

2024-01-22 · near Encanto, San Diego, California

Event narrative

CalTrans report of significant flooding near I-805 South and Imperial Avenue and Market Street in Encanto. Large debris and several vehicles were video taped moving downstream on Chollas Creek near Jacob Center and Chollas View, starting at the park. The light rail double train tracks were undercut and severely damaged. Concrete lining in the channel was completely removed and chain link fencing destroyed by debris and flash flooding. Numerous homes in Encanto were flooded out and damaged. FEMA estimated up to 600 homes in this area had major flood damage. This area had rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches in 1 hour and 3 inches in around 90 minutes. Spring Valley ALERT recorded 1000 year rainfall return interval with 2.45 inches in 60 minutes and 3.15 inches in 2 hours. San Diego Fire and rescue reported just over 200 water rescues. There worse areas and were 1200 households were displaced from floods included Mountain View, Encanto, Valencia Park, Shelltown, Southcrest, and Lincoln Park.

Wider weather episode

Historic flooding occurred on January 22nd. Heavy rainfall occurred between 8 am and noon across western San Diego county. The heaviest rainfall occurred between 9 am and 11 am in the east side of the city of San Diego in Encanto and Lemon Grove to Spring Valley. Rainfall rates were observed at 1.5 to 2.5 inches in 60 minutes and resulted in 1000 year return intervals. Over 200 water rescues at homes, streets and in water channels were performed by San Diego Fire and Rescue. FEMA found 1000 homes damaged in the following weeks and 600 were declared major damage resulting in up to 31 million in damage claims and displaced residents, including 1200 households, in temporary shelters for several months. San Diego County EOC was activated on January 22 and remained activated at a low level into May 2024. The areas flooded the most were Mountain View, Encanto, Valencia Park, Shelltown, Southcrest, and Lincoln Park.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (32.7109, -117.1020)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1153955. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.