With the recent fires north of us (and current spate of fires in San Diego), we wanted to let you know about the winter weather forecast for this weekend and update on current fires.
SD County has been throwing everything they can at our local fires, knocking most of them down very quickly and with minimal damage: Mesa Fire (0.5 acres), Ash Fire (2 acres), Highland Fire (0.25 acres), Gilman Fire (3 acres), Twain Fire (0.5 acres), with only the Lilac Fire in Fallbrook exceeding 10 acres (85 acres).
Border 2 Fire - currently 4250 acres, 10% contained. Be aware there are road closures and communities evacuated. Currently the evacuation area stretches east to 94 and west to Lower Otay Lake. This is burning in an isolated area with strong winds and tripled in size overnight. If you are responding to this incident, please let SD VOAD know (sandiegovoad@gmail.com) and identify any resources you need to respond.
SD VOAD is actively supporting the Emergency Network of Los Angeles (ENLA, their VOAD) and also providing their Long Term Recovery Committee with technical assistance as they respond to the Palisades and Eaton Fires. They are opening a Wildfires Resource Hub next week in the Eaton Fire area, where fire survivors can access financial and material goods assistance, connect with nonprofits providing services and health services. More information about this effort, and others, can be found at ENLA's website (https://enla.org/) and the Los Angeles Region Community Recovery Organization's website (https://larcro.org/la-fires).
We're monitoring the Hughes Fire in Ventura (Castaic area) and will provide details on how to support Ventura County VOAD as they update partners. Riverside and San Bernardino Counties also have fires and we'll be monitoring their VOAD communications as well. Again, if you are supporting any of these SoCal fires and need support, please let SD VOAD know.
Apps to monitor:
- SD County Emergency
- Watch Duty
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With the incoming winter storm, it looks like we are doing a 180 now from red flag to winter weather.
Winter Storm Watch from 1/26/2025 6:00 AM to 1/28/2025 10:00 AM PST for San Diego County, CA.
Santa Ana winds will gradually decrease from this afternoon through Friday, with the strongest gusts—previously peaking near 60–80 mph in the mountains and up to 45–60 mph in wind-prone inland valley spots—continuing to diminish into Friday morning. By late tonight, gusts should generally fall below 40 mph across most areas. Meanwhile, daytime temperatures will remain several degrees above normal, reaching the 70s and even the lower 80s along the coast and inland valleys today and tomorrow.
Rainfall Amounts (Sat PM-Mon Night): Rainfall amounts from late Saturday into Monday evening are expected to range between 0.50 to 0.75 inches for most areas over and west of the mountains. However, if locations experience heavier showers or thunderstorms on Sunday or Monday, they could exceed this range.
Additionally, west- and southwest-facing mountain slopes often receive enhanced precipitation due to orographic lift, which occurs when moist air is forced upward over elevated terrain. As a result, these slopes could reach or surpass 1.25 to 1.50 inches of rain.
Flood Risk (Sat PM-Mon): The flood risk during this upcoming event is very low, especially considering recent dry weather. Based on current rainfall projections, neither the amounts nor the rates of precipitation are expected to create significant flood-related concerns. However, rainfall rates from heavier showers or thunderstorms on Sunday and Monday could approach 0.35 inches per hour, potentially causing ponding on roadways and brief flooding in low-water crossings.
For awareness, please see below email from San Diego County regarding the Border Fire Evacuation Order and Warning:
Dear Partners,
San Diego County Fire is at scene of a vegetation fire near near Otay Mountain Truck Trail within the Otay Wilderness Area. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department has issued an Evacuation Order and Warning for nearby areas.
Temporary Evacuation Points are located in the parking lots at:
- Southwestern College, 900 Otay Lakes Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91910
- Edwards Cinema, 2951 Jamacha Road, El Cajon, 92019
This is an Evacuation Order. An Evacuation Order requires immediate movement out of the affected area due to an imminent threat to life.
- There is extreme danger in your area.
- You must leave now.
- Do not wait.
- Contact your neighbors and share information.
This is an Evacuation Warning. An Evacuation Warning means there is a potential threat to life and/or property.
- You may be in danger soon.
- Leave now if you need extra time, or do not feel safe.
- Call your emergency contacts now if you need help.
- Contact your neighbors and share information.
- Vulnerable populations such as people with disabilities, people with access or functional needs, and/or large animals should leave now.
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