The heavy rain caused fast-moving water, stranded cars and dangerous conditions in many neighborhoods.
The heavy rain caused fast-moving water, stranded cars and dangerous conditions in many neighborhoods.
San Diego received a month's worth of rain in just hours on New Year's Day, flooding streets and making it one of the city's 15 wettest days on record. The heavy rain caused fast-moving water, stranded cars and dangerous conditions in many neighborhoods.

Videos on social media showed streets turning into rushing streams and people trying to escape the flooding.

Now, forecasters say more rain is coming, but it would be lighter.


The National Weather Service said a series of weak but colder weather systems will move across the region through the middle of next week. These systems could bring light to moderate showers at times. Clearing is expected by Wednesday, with daytime temperatures staying in the 60s.

A beach hazards statement remains in effect through Sunday morning. Minor tidal overflow and local beach flooding are possible along parts of the coast.


What Happened During New Year's Day Flooding?

The New Year's Day storm caused several serious rescue situations. In Escondido, San Diego County Fire-Rescue teams saved a woman who was swept into a creek that flows into Lake Hodges.

The sheriff's office said a couple tried to walk through a low-water crossing to reach their car after the area filled with storm water. "The current swept them both off their feet. They were carried by the water into a creek that flowed into Lake Hodges," the sheriff's office said.


The man was able to reach the shore and call for help. Rescue crews found the woman and took her to a hospital. Both were later reunited and reported to be in stable condition, according to Times Of San Diego report.

Officials reminded people not to enter floodwaters. "Just six inches of fast-moving water is enough to put your life at risk. Remember, turn around, don't drown," they said.

Rescue Operations

Lifeguards also rescued a man trapped under a bridge in Mission Valley when rising San Diego River water reached waist height. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Later, lifeguard swift-water teams helped an adult and a child trapped in their vehicle at the Fashion Valley mall as floodwaters rose quickly.

Spokeswoman Candace Hadley said flooding in the area looked "like a river," especially near Avenida Del Rio.

Trolley service in downtown San Diego was also disrupted for several hours because of flooding.