May Storm Sweeps Through San Diego

A second round of rain from a rare spring storm has swept into Southern California, along with heavy winds, snow in the mountains and the possibility of hail and lightning.

The National Weather Service says scattered thunderstorms are expected from San Diego north to Ventura County Friday.

San Diego could reach record rainfall for the month of May as the showers continue through this afternoon.

The National Weather Service reports 24-hour totals for areas like Lindbergh Field and Mission Valley were over an inch of rain from the first wave of the storm.

Snow has been reported on Palomar Mountain and Mount Laguna with three to seven inches possible for the highest elevations in San Diego's East County.

On Thursday night, several cars were trapped in rising water reaching approximately three feet deep on Midway Drive, according to San Diego Fire-Rescue spokesperson Joe Amador.

Six people and one dog had to be rescued from the flooded section of Rosecrans and Barnett.

In Mission Hills, street flooding got so deep at Reynard and Arroyo, the water moved cars parked on the street. In some areas the water level reached car windows.

Residents of several apartments were evacuated. In the morning, San Diego Police reopened the road and said they would monitor it throughout the day. 

It’s the second time this year they’ve experienced this type of flooding. In November, their cars were damaged by excess water.

In Pacific Beach, a large tree branch landed on the roof of a parked car below damaging the car. Trimmers arrived overnight and cleared the limb.

Near Escondido, a semi jack-knifed along southbound I-15 near State Route 78, causing delays for North County commuters.

County officials are reminding residents not to go swimming, surfing and diving in coastal waters for 72 hours following rain due to elevated bacterial levels from storm runoff. The warning is includes all coastal beaches and all of Mission Bay and San Diego Bay.

NBC 7 Meteorologist Jodi Kodesh said San Diego broke a 131-year record at Lindbergh Field last night. The area received 1.63" of rain. The old record, set in 1884 was 0.40."

Check back for updates. Download our free NBC 7 mobile app to stay up to date on the storm.

Contact Us