San Diego Storm Update 4PM | Mountain View damage, NB I-15 shutdown, latest weather alerts

Summary

Severe flash flooding hit the Mountain View neighborhood in San Diego, with water levels reaching 4 feet high and flooding homes. One man's mother died that morning and he floated her body out on an air mattress. Firefighters rescued people in kayaks as cars floated down the street. Neighbors are angry that calls to the city to clear debris from a flood channel were ignored. The freeway also flooded, bringing traffic to a standstill for hours. More rain is expected overnight, so flood warnings remain in place across the county.

Takeaways

• 😢 A street in the Mountain Dew neighborhood was badly flooded, with water gushing into homes
• 🚒 Firefighters and police helped rescue people from the raging floodwaters
• 🚗 The floodwaters were strong enough to carry cars down the street
• 💀 An 84-year old woman died the morning of the flood at her son's home
• 🛶 The son and neighbors used an air mattress to float the woman's body across the flooded street
• 😠 Neighbors are angry that their calls to the city to clean out the flood channel were apparently ignored
• 🔧 Neighbors helped each other clean up even as they dealt with damage to their own homes
• 🚘 Major freeways were shut down for hours due to flooding
• 😟 Over 250 vehicle crashes were reported across San Diego County during the storm
• ☔ More rain is expected overnight, prolonging flooding concerns

Q & A

What area of San Diego was hit hardest by the flash flooding?

The Mountain View neighborhood near 42nd Street and Ocean View Boulevard saw the worst of the flooding, with water flooding homes up to 4 feet high.

How did some residents escape from the flash flooding?

Some residents used kayaks and air mattresses to float out of their flooded homes. One woman said her family escaped through small windows onto the roof.

What damage was caused by the flash flooding?

Homes were flooded with mud and water. Cars floated down the street or were carried away. Retaining walls collapsed, garages were destroyed, and debris was strewn everywhere.

How did one resident get his deceased mother's body out of the flooded home?

Antonio Lopez used an air mattress to float his 84-year old mother's body across the flooded street to a waiting mortuary van.

What caused the flash flooding in the neighborhood?

There is a flood channel behind the homes that became overwhelmed with water and debris. The water had nowhere else to go and kept rising.

How are residents responding to the devastating flash flooding?

Neighbors are helping each other shovel mud and debris, even as they deal with damage to their own homes. They want to prevent more flooding.

How were major roadways in San Diego affected?

Major freeways were flooded, causing miles of backed up traffic. Some drivers were stranded for hours before crews could clear the roads.

What should drivers do when major flash flooding occurs?

Drivers should avoid flooded roads and freeways. Drive slowly and carefully. Have alternate routes planned and emergency supplies in your vehicle in case you get stranded.

Is more rain expected that could cause additional flooding?

Yes, up to an inch more rain is expected in some areas through the evening, which could lead to more flooding given saturated ground.

What warnings and watches are still in effect due to the flash flooding?

A flood watch remains for all of San Diego County until 9pm. A flood warning is also in effect for the San Diego River until 12:30am as it remains at moderate flood stage.