A winter storm ushered San Diegans from the final hours of 2025 into 2026 on New Year’s Day.
Roadways were saturated on Wednesday, leading to spinouts, sinkholes and the possibility for more on Thursday.
Weather on New Year’s Day
Heavy morning showers are expected for the first few hours of 2026 and scattered showers for the afternoon, NBC 7 Meteorologist Greg Bledsoe said.
By the time it moves out of the region Friday, rain totals could be around a half-inch to an inch. Friday will by mostly cloudy but drier, giving San Diegans a break before more wet weather.
Rain chances increase again for the weekend from a cooler storm system, Bledsoe said. Any rain is expected to be light, but skies will be mostly cloudy. Keep that jacket and umbrella handy as temperatures this weekend will be cooler and bring more light rain chances.
At the beaches, a full super moon is expected to raise tides, which could lead to coastal flooding in some low-lying areas. The National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazard Statement from Wednesday through Sunday due to the anticipated King Tides.
The preliminary forecast shows rain falling over San Diego County from Wednesday through Saturday. Rainfall estimates are for totals of 0.6 to 1.2 inches in the coastal areas, 0.7 to 0.8 of an inch in the inland valleys, 0.04 to 0.5 of an inch in the low deserts, and .55 to 1.6 inches in the San Diego County mountains.
Rain brings coastal water closures and advisories
With winter rains continuing into the new year, the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality announced a general rain advisory Wednesday for all coastal beaches and bays, while also maintaining several coastal closures.
The ocean shoreline from the International Border to North Beach in Coronado and the storm drain area located 250 feet north of 2540 East Mission Bay Drive will remain closed until sampling confirms the areas are safe for water contact, according to DEHQ. The public was advised to avoid water contact as the waters are impacted by sewage and may cause illness.
Also remaining closed by the DEHQ were the Tijuana Slough and Imperial Beach, Silver Strand and Coronado shorelines.
Beachgoers were advised that recent rain brings urban runoff, which can cause bacteria levels to rise significantly in ocean and bay waters, especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers, and lagoon outlets, and may cause illness. Water contact such as swimming, surfing, and diving should be avoided for 72 hours following rain events.
Closures, however, were lifted by DEHQ for improving conditions at Buena Vista Lagoon Outlet in Oceanside and Avenida De La Playa in La Jolla Shores, where recent water quality samples once again have met state health standards. However, the General Rain Advisory issued by the DEHQ will remain in effect, so water contact should still be avoided until the GRA has been lifted.
For updates on beach advisories and closures visit www.sdbeachinfo.com or call the 24-hour hotline at 619-338-2073.
Damages and traffic from this winter storm
Crews are keeping an eye on areas in San Diego County where flooding can be common, reports NBC 7’s Jackie Crea.
On the downhill slope of northbound Interstate 15 near the I-8 interchange, a semi-truck lost control and crashed with other vehicles on Wednesday. In Coronado, rain washed out a portion of the roadway to create a sinkhole that contributed to traffic woes.
NBC 7
NBC 7
Many are hoping the rain ‘wipes the slate clean’ for the year, reports NBC 7’s Joe Little.
Rain preperations
⚠ Residents can reduce the risk of flooding near their homes and properties by taking a few simple steps:
- Sweep and pick up trash, leaves, grass clippings and other debris that collect around storm drains and curb gutters near the home.
- Keep the lids securely closed on trash and recycle bins when placing them out on the street for collection. Place each bin 2 to 3 feet away from the curb so as not to impede stormwater.
- Turn off irrigation to save water and minimize runoff.
- Do not open or lift manhole covers in the event of street flooding.
- The city asked that people not try to drive, ride or walk through flood waters.
A wind advisory is in effect until 1 p.m. Tuesday. NBC 7’s Dana Williams spoke to residents in Alpine about the potentially dangerous conditions.
☑ Sandbags are also available in limited supply and can be picked up at 11 recreation centers centrally located in each City Council district. Sandbags are limited to 10 bags per city of San Diego household or business, but sand is not provided.
Sandbags are available to San Diego residents during recreation center open hours at:
- Council District 1 – Pacific Beach Recreation Center, 1405 Diamond St.;
- Council District 2 (inland) – North Clairemont Recreation Center, 4421 Bannock Ave.;
- Council District 2 (coastal) – Robb Field Athletic Area, 2525 Bacon St.;
- Council District 3 – Golden Hill Recreation Center, 2600 Golf Course Drive;
- Council District 4 – Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 6401 Skyline Drive;
- Council District 5 – Scripps Ranch Recreation Center, 11454 Blue Cypress Drive;
- Council District 6 – Standley Recreation Center, 3585 Governor Drive;
- Council District 7 – Allied Gardens Recreation Center, 5155 Greenbrier Ave.;
- Council District 8 – Silver Wing Recreation Center, 3737 Arey Drive;
- Council District 8 – Southcrest Recreation Center, 4149 Newton Ave.; and
- Council District 9 – City Heights Recreation Center, 4380 Landis St.
The city is also taking steps to fortify homeless shelters with sandbags and have contingency plans in place in the event of flooding.
Not long after things started drying out from the Christmas Eve storm, the umbrellas are coming out for NYE, reports NBC 7’s Dana Williams.