Flood Rescue in Southern California
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department's swift water rescue team is currently engaged in operations across various locations including the San Diego River, central San Diego, coastal lowlands, and the Tijuana River Valley. The team has successfully rescued hundreds from inundated homes and areas. Residents are advised to avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary." Floodwaters surged through parts of the city, causing vehicles to be swept away and roads to suffer extensive damage. Images released by the San Diego Fire and Rescue Department depicted vehicles stacked on top of one another in the Beta Street vicinity. According to city records, over 70 roads have been closed, including sections of Interstate 15. The San Diego Fire Department reported conducting at least 24 high-water rescues in regions adjacent to the San Diego and Tijuana rivers. This included rescuing approximately eight migrants from floodwaters in San Ysidro.
The Mayor of San Diego praised the city's emergency responders for their relentless efforts during the storm, stating, "I am proud of our City's first responders for their dedicated work in handling storm-related emergencies throughout San Diego. A heartfelt thank you to all City workers!" Flooding was reported in neighborhoods such as Spring Valley, Mountain View, Shelltown, and Southcrest. The situation in Spring Valley was particularly severe, with some residents needing rescue from their homes, while others were able to escape by wading through high water. In response to the disaster, the American Red Cross Southern California Region established shelters in San Diego, El Cajon, and Coronado. These shelters are staffed with volunteers ready to provide assistance including shelter and food. Additionally, the City of San Diego has set up a temporary evacuation center at the Golden Hill Recreation Center. The severe weather also affected regions further north. In Los Angeles County's Topanga Canyon, an evacuation warning was issued for areas affected by the Owen Fire burn scars due to the risk of mud and debris flows.
Flooding also impacted the Bay Area and Northern California. Residents of Guerneville in Sonoma County were advised to prepare for evacuation due to rising creek and stream levels. Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz County experienced significant flooding, damaging vehicles and a bridge, while a minor landslide in Burlingame, San Mateo County, affected a local road. Previously, on January 15, heavy rain caused severe flooding in Humboldt County, isolating residents and disrupting electricity after the Mad River overflowed. One house was reported destroyed.