
The rainstorms that have battered the coast will continue for the rest of the week but precipitation should taper off by Saturday morning, according to the National Weather Service. Another large storm with heavy rainfall, possible thunderstorms and 25 mph winds is expected this afternoon, and a rainstorm, possible hail and 20 mph winds are expected Friday morning. Gusty winds may hit 40 mph. “We encourage everyone to take a quick look around their property and put their lids back on their trash cans so that debris doesn’t flow out and clog drains,” said Bill Harris, spokesman for the San Diego Storm Water Department. “Make sure wood chips and mulch aren’t flowing out of the yard.” Mission Boulevard and low-lying alleys flooded as usual from the storms, and drains clogged from debris and trash. Storms earlier this week caused the usual fender benders on city streets and high winds pulled branches from trees with some large limbs as well. Street flooding was reported in Pacific Beach in some areas of Hornblend Street, Oliver Avenue and Kendall Street with damage to homes in some cases. A tree was uprooted and fell in the road Jan. 19, blocking a lane of traffic at Cass Street near Loring Street. Three to five inches of rain is expected to fall this week. Lindbergh Field typically receives 11 inches of rain annually, according to Dan Atkin, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in San Diego. Storms moving across the Pacific from the northwest, coupled with an El Niño year, are bringing in the rain. “If you see (city) barricades and moving water, don’t attempt to cross it,” Harris said. “The city is prone to flash flooding when we get large amounts of water. Moving water can be very deceptive.” Waves may reach 15 to 20 feet this week, and a high surf advisory has been issued until 10 a.m. on Sunday. Meteorologists are also warning of coastal flooding following storms on Thursday and Friday.