Storm preparations might seem unnecessary in a city that sees little downpour, but thinking it wont happen could be fatal.
By Heather Culver and Megan Tevrizian ••
More rain is expected over the next two days, which means the potential for more flooding and possibly downed trees. NBC 7’s Megan Tevrizian was in the Bird Rock area of La Jolla, where this warning comes too late.
More rain is expected Tuesday and Wednesday, and with rain comes the potential for flooding and downed trees. For one family in the Bird Rock area of La Jolla, that warning came too late.
Liz Sauer was leaving her brother's house Sunday night when she said she heard what sounded like firecrackers. As she peeked around the corner, she saw a three-story tall eucalyptus tree coming right at her.
"I just braced myself for impact and just prayed that this awning was going to hold," Liz said. Thankfully, her cover held.
The home's owner, Leslie Sauer, said she thought the loud noise she heard outside was an earthquake or a car crashing into her house.
"It was something I had nightmares about," she said.
Liberty Zabala, NBC 7
Excess water floods Bent Ave & Discover Street in San Marcos on Friday, Dec. 12, 2014.
NBC 7 Elena Gomez
A clogged storm drain closed all lanes but on on southbound Interstate 5 at La Costa FRiday. One Cal Trans worker said the water was up to his knees when he arrived.
NBC 7
Strong winds toppled the Christmas tree outside NBC 7's downtown studios.
NBC 7 Rory Devine
Not the best place to park Friday in Leucadia on Vulcan.
NBC 7 Vanessa Herrera
In Spring Valley, near the Swap Meet, drivers opted to turn around rather than go through this.
NBC 7 Nicole Gomez
City crews arrived to clear away a palm tree downed near 3rd Avenue and Pennsylvania.
NBC 7 Steven Luke
San Diego Lifeguards were called to SR 94 and Home Avenue where a man was spotted up to his neck in water in the flood channel. The search was called off an hour later when no victim was found.
NBC 7 Elena Gomez
On December 4, these images show the damage on Torrance Street in Mission Hills. Several cars were flooded by the backup from a clogged storm drain.
NBC 7
Several cars were flooded in the parking area outside the apartment complex on Torrance Street in Mission Hills.
NBC 7 Elena Gomez
Images of the damage on Torrance Street in Mission Hills. Several cars were flooded by the backup from a clogged storm drain.
NBC 7
One car owner moved a vehicle from the flooded garage live on NBC 7 News Today Thursday.
NBC 7 Elena Gomez
Images of the damage on Torrance Street in Mission Hills. Several cars were flooded by the backup from a clogged storm drain.
NBC 7 Elena Gomez
Cars were flooded outside an apartment complex in Mission Hills.
Gary Fletcher
NBC 7 user Gary Fletcher submitted video of flash flooding in the downtown area near State Route 163 around 3 a.m. Thursday. This still is from the video.
NBC 7 Nicole Gomez
Sandbags and a K rail helped protect homes that nearly burned in the Cocos Fire.
A woman was rescued from her submerged car at Hancock and Witherby Street early Thursday.
Debris covered State Route 163 and damaged several cars Thursday according to the CHP.
Greg Bledsoe NBC 7
Overnight rain melted the snow at Petco Park for this weekend's holiday event. Crews were back at it making snow again Thursday morning.
Chris Chan NBC 7
Mud and rocks in Qualcomm stadium parking lot early Thursday in this image captured by NBC 7's Chris Chan.
NBC 7
One of several SigAlerts issued on local highways - a big rig crash on northbound I-15 just south of I-8.
Chris Chan NBC 7
An image of a submerged vehicle found on Witherby Road near the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. San Diego lifeguards say nobody was inside.
NBC 7
People huddled under umbrellas while walking in Mission Beach Friday morning.
NBC 7
People huddled under umbrellas while walking in Mission Beach Friday morning.
Apparently Leslie and her family have had concerns about the tree since before they moved in. She said they tried negotiating with the seller to have it removed, but it was growing on city property.
"So then I started writing letters...and each time I got no response or they'd come trim it," Leslie said.
The city is now helping with the removal of the tree that nearly killed her sister-in-law, as well as working with her insurance company to cover the cost of damages, but the experience still has her shaken up.
"The unnerving part for me is we really were afraid of the tree," she said. "Not being experts, we were deferred to the people who assessed us and reassured us, but the fact that we can't hang our hat on that reassurance is so unnerving."
Local tree trimmers suggest pruning trees that are close to homes, especially eucalyptus. Because they have shallow roots, these trees are especially fragile and tip easily.
Damages from storms are common, but being prepared is key. Sandbags are usually available in various areas throughout the county and having trees prepared for the rain could save the headache of homeowner insurance claims down the road.
Storm preparations might seem unnecessary in a city that sees little downpour, but thinking it won't happen could be fatal.
For more information on preparing for the rain and winds, click here.
