More than an inch of rain is likely to fall in some parts of San Diego County this week from the remnants of another atmospheric river storm expected to impact California, which could bring flooding while some residents are still recovering from last week's damaging rain.
Showers are expected to reach San Diego overnight Thursday and will impact morning commuters, NBC 7 Meteorologist Sheena Parveen said. By the afternoon, expect heavier downpours and, potentially, thunderstorms.
"Tomorrow, especially the first half of the day, that's when we're going to see most of the heavy rain," Parveen said. "I think that's when our flood threat is also going to be the highest."
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The entire county will be under a flood watch on Thursday because inches of rain are possible in some areas, which could create localized flooding, Parveen said.
Voluntary evacuation warning issued for parts of San Diego
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria on Wednesday said a voluntary evacuation warning would be issued for neighborhoods in low-lying areas that were recently affected, like Southcrest, Encanto, Mountain View, Rolando and San Ysidro. Wednesday night, a mobile phone public safety alert went out advising of expected flooding.
"Given what we saw last Monday, the ground in these communities remains saturated, the significant clearing that has been accomplished in these storm channels and storm culverts, today, we will be taking an extra precaution to protect the residents of these communities," Gloria said. "This is not an evacuation order, this warning is voluntary and it is designed to encourage residents in these flood-prone communities to prepare if and when evacuation does become necessary.
Gather documents and belongings and make sure you have a plan to move yourself, your family and your pets should major flooding occur, the mayor added. Those that are able should seek other housing accommodations.
The city is also establishing a shelter at the municipal gym in Balboa Park and will provide transportation to those who need it. SDPD will go door-to-door if an evacuation order is issued.
How long will the storm last?
The heaviest showers will likely move east before Thursday’s evening commute but some lingering showers are possible on Friday.
Through early Saturday, anywhere from 1 to 2.5 inches of rain is possible, according to the National Weather Service. After a brief break, another bout of rain arrives late Sunday or Monday with even more precipitation.
Strong winds will also be a concern from this storm system, Parveen said. A wind advisory is in effect Thursday for the coast and inland valleys. Gusts in the 40-50 mph range are possible along the coast and in the inland valleys.
At the beaches, a high surf advisory will be in effect. Wave heights 8-10 feet are expected through Friday.
The mountains may see some snow at the highest elevations, Parveen said. Mount Laguna and Palomar have the best chances for snowfall overnight Friday.
Showers are expected to linger into Friday but the weekend is expected to be a bit more dry. It won’t last long; another long stretch of rain is expected early next week.
"As we head into the weekend, though, it does look drier, then our next storm arrives Sunday into next week where we could have several days of rain chances; look at that, very wet weather pattern there," Parveen said pointing to San Diego's only 10-day forecast.
The storm systems will hit about a week-and-a-half after an unprecedented 1000-year flood submerged parts of San Diego County in inches of water, not because of unusually heavy rainfall -- most areas saw anywhere from an inch to four inches of rain -- but likely due to ill-prepared storm systems.
If this system hits hard, it could also produce some localized flooding. The county encourages the use of sandbags. Find a list of locations where to get free sandbags here.
LIST: Where to get free sandbags in San Diego County
