Areas of low pressure tapped into the atmospheric river and delivered scattered showers throughout the day Tuesday, creating a wet and hazardous commute for drivers that may have led to a pile-up involving about a dozen vehicles on I-5.
Heavy rain poured across the county overnight and steadily moved north, leaving behind scattered showers. Rainfall was expected to remain light to moderate but some heavy bands could bring isolated downpours throughout the day, so San Diegans will want to keep an umbrella handy.
Expect a slippery evening commute and a chance of thunderstorms. With those thunderstorms, isolated lightning, heavy wind gusts and increased rain will follow.
The California Highway Patrol reported several accidents on rain-slicked roads throughout the day.
An afternoon pile-up involved about 13 vehicles on southbound I-5 near Carmel Valley Tuesday afternoon. At the time, the NWS reported heavy downpours sweeping across the county.
Two semi-trucks veered off the road early Tuesday on Interstate 15 in Mission Valley in separate incidents. Pictures of the scene showed at least two big rigs on the shoulder of the roadway.
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In another incident in downtown San Diego, emergency responders extricated a driver who was stuck in their car as a result of a single-vehicle crash on SR-163 near I-5. The extent of that driver's injuries was unclear.
A big air of low pressure offshore got close enough to the coast that it delivered rain to San Diego County. Because the disturbance tapped into the atmospheric river, the storm is warm and will not produce snow below elevations of 8,000 feet, according to NBC 7 meteorologist Sheena Parveen.
A beach hazard statement was issued Tuesday morning for the county, with the National Weather Service warning residents that surf could reach up to 6 feet in northern beaches. The gusty winds made for dangerous rip currents and hazardous swimming conditions, according to NWS.
Although Wednesday’s showers are expected to be scattered, an umbrella could come in handy. The moisture will return Thursday and deliver a greater chance of rain while Friday looks to have a chance of rain.
The weekend can’t be ruled out as an exception since spotty showers are in the forecast. However, the chance of rain on Saturday and Sunday are, as of now, minimal and should not disrupt plans.
