Alert archive / California / Flash Flood Watches in 2018

Flash Flood Watch 2, NWS San Diego, CA

March 19, 20184 counties in California

NWS San Diego, CA issued this flash flood watch at Mar 19, 2018, 2:55 PM PDT for 4 counties in California. It took effect at Mar 22, 2018, 6:00 AM PDT. It was in force for 21 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Mar 19, 2018, 2:55 PM PDT (21:55 UTC)
In effect from
Mar 22, 2018, 6:00 AM PDT
Expired
Mar 23, 2018, 3:00 AM PDT
In force
21 hr
Issued by
NWS San Diego, CA
Flood severity
None

Counties Orange County, CA, Riverside County, CA, San Bernardino County, CA, San Diego County, CA

The radar

The Santa Ana Mts radar (KSOX), 88 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:52 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

San Diego, CA (KNKX), launched 12:00Z, 9.9 hours before the alert went out and 124 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, San Diego, CA at 12:00Z on 2018-03-19Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, San Diego, CA at 12:00Z on 2018-03-19The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 5 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1444 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
45 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
5 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
73 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

337 
WGUS66 KSGX 192155
FFASGX

URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE San Diego CA
255 PM PDT Mon Mar 19 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH
LATE THURSDAY NIGHT...

.A Pacific storm system with a deep well of sub-tropical moisture
is forecast to bring heavy rains to Southern California. Flash
flooding is possible. Debris flows may also occur near recent 
burn scars.

CAZ048-055-057-552-554-200600-
/O.NEW.KSGX.FF.A.0002.180322T0600Z-180323T1200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire-
San Bernardino County Mountains-Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills-
Orange County Coastal Areas-Orange County Inland Areas-
Including the cities of Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, 
Moreno Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, Crestline, 
Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Running Springs, 
Wrightwood, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, 
Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Garden Grove, 
Irvine, Orange, Fullerton, and Mission Viejo
255 PM PDT Mon Mar 19 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH
LATE THURSDAY NIGHT...

The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued a 

* Flash Flood Watch for a portion of southwest California... 
  including the following...Orange County...The Inland 
  Empire...San Bernardino County Mountains...and Santa Ana 
  Mountains and Foothills. 

* From Wednesday evening through late Thursday night.

* Rainfall Rates...Near 0.5 inches per hour with peak short term
  rainfall rates of 0.75 to 1.00 inches per hour during the most
  intense rain bands. 

* Storm Total Rainfall...Widespread 1 to 4 inches in urban areas
  with 3 to 6 inches along the coastal slopes. Isolated amounts to 
  8 inches possible along the coastal slopes.

* Possible Impacts...Rapid water rises in urban areas and dry 
  river beds/arroyos, and debris flows near recent burn scars.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding.  Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take
action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

&&

$$

Albright
11 follow-up statements
015 
WGUS66 KSGX 200423
FFASGX

FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE San Diego CA
923 PM PDT Mon Mar 19 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH
LATE THURSDAY NIGHT...

.A Pacific storm system with a deep well of sub-tropical moisture
is forecast to bring heavy rains to Southern California. Flash
flooding is possible. Debris flows may also occur near recent
burn scars.

CAZ048-055-057-552-554-201300-
/O.CON.KSGX.FF.A.0002.180322T0600Z-180323T1200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire-
San Bernardino County Mountains-Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills-
Orange County Coastal Areas-Orange County Inland Areas-
Including the cities of Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, 
Moreno Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, Crestline, 
Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Running Springs, 
Wrightwood, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, 
Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Garden Grove, 
Irvine, Orange, Fullerton, and Mission Viejo
923 PM PDT Mon Mar 19 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING
THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT...

The Flash Flood Watch continues for

* A portion of southwest California...including the following...
  Orange County Coastal Areas...Orange County Inland Areas...San 
  Bernardino County Mountains...San Bernardino and Riverside 
  County Valleys-The Inland Empire and Santa Ana Mountains and 
  Foothills. 

* From Wednesday evening through late Thursday night.

* Rainfall Rates...Near 0.5 inches per hour with peak short term
  rainfall rates of 0.75 to 1.00 inches per hour during periods of
  the most intense rainfall. 

* Storm Total Rainfall...Widespread 1 to 4 inches in coastal areas
  and inland valleys, with 3 to 6 inches along the coastal 
  slopes. Isolated amounts to 8 inches possible along the coastal 
  slopes.
  

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding.  Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

&&

$$
771 
WGUS66 KSGX 201034
FFASGX

FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE San Diego CA
334 AM PDT Tue Mar 20 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE WEDNESDAY EVENING 
THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT...

.A low pressure system off the West Coast will tap subtropical
moisture to bring periods of rain to Southern California. The rain
could be heavy at times...especially late Wednesday night through
Thursday. Flash flooding is possible. Debris flows may also occur
near recent burn scars.

CAZ048-055-057-552-554-202200-
/O.CON.KSGX.FF.A.0002.180322T0600Z-180323T1200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire-
San Bernardino County Mountains-Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills-
Orange County Coastal Areas-Orange County Inland Areas-
Including the cities of Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, 
Moreno Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, Crestline, 
Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Running Springs, 
Wrightwood, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, 
Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Garden Grove, 
Irvine, Orange, Fullerton, and Mission Viejo
334 AM PDT Tue Mar 20 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE WEDNESDAY 
EVENING THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT...

The Flash Flood Watch continues for

* Locations...A portion of southwest California...including 
  Orange County...the San Bernardino County Mountains...and the 
  Inland Empire. 

* Timing...The heaviest rainfall is expected for late Wednesday
  night through Thursday.

* Rainfall Rates...Near 0.5 inches per hour with peak short term 
  rainfall rates of 0.75 to 1.00 inches per hour during periods 
  of the most intense rainfall. 

* Storm Total Rainfall...Widespread 1.5 to 2 inches near the coast
  to 4 to 6 inches along the coastal slopes of the San Bernardino
  County mountains with locally greater amounts. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding.  Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

&&

$$

17
058 
WGUS66 KSGX 202111
FFASGX

FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE San Diego CA
211 PM PDT Tue Mar 20 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE WEDNESDAY EVENING
THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT...

.A Pacific storm system with a deep well of sub-tropical moisture
is forecast to bring heavy rains to Southern California. Flash 
flooding is possible. Debris flows may also occur near recent burn
scars.

CAZ048-055-057-552-554-210600-
/O.CON.KSGX.FF.A.0002.180322T0600Z-180323T1200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire-
San Bernardino County Mountains-Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills-
Orange County Coastal Areas-Orange County Inland Areas-
Including the cities of Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, 
Moreno Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, Crestline, 
Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Running Springs, 
Wrightwood, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, 
Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Garden Grove, 
Irvine, Orange, Fullerton, and Mission Viejo
211 PM PDT Tue Mar 20 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING
THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT...

The Flash Flood Watch continues for

* A portion of southwest California... including the
  following...Orange County...The Inland Empire...San Bernardino
  County Mountains...and Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills. 

* From Wednesday evening through late Thursday night.

* Rainfall Rates...Near 0.5 inches per hour with peak short term 
  rainfall rates of 0.75 to 1.00 inches per hour during periods 
  of the most intense rainfall. 

* Storm Total Rainfall...Widespread 1.5 to 2 inches near the coast
  to 4 to 6 inches along the coastal slopes of the San Bernardino
  County Mountains with locally greater amounts. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding.  Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

&&

$$

Albright
462 
WGUS66 KSGX 210442
FFASGX

FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE San Diego CA
942 PM PDT Tue Mar 20 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE WEDNESDAY EVENING
THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT...

.A Pacific storm system with a deep well of sub-tropical moisture
is forecast to bring locally heavy rains to Southern California. 
Flash flooding is possible. Debris flows may also occur near 
recent burn scars.

CAZ048-055-057-552-554-211300-
/O.CON.KSGX.FF.A.0002.180322T0600Z-180323T1200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire-
San Bernardino County Mountains-Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills-
Orange County Coastal Areas-Orange County Inland Areas-
Including the cities of Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, 
Moreno Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, Crestline, 
Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Running Springs, 
Wrightwood, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, 
Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Garden Grove, 
Irvine, Orange, Fullerton, and Mission Viejo
942 PM PDT Tue Mar 20 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING
THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT...

The Flash Flood Watch continues for

* A portion of southwest California...including the following... 
  Orange County ...Coastal Areas...Orange County Inland Areas... 
  San Bernardino County Mountains...San Bernardino and Riverside 
  County Valleys-The Inland Empire and Santa Ana Mountains and 
  Foothills. 

* from Wednesday evening through late Thursday night

* Rainfall Rates...Near 0.5 inches per hour with peak short term
  rainfall rates of 0.75 inch per hour during periods of the most
  intense rainfall. 

* Storm Total Rainfall...Widespread 1 to 2 inches at lower
  elevations to 4 to 6 inches along the coastal slopes of the San
  Bernardino County Mountains with locally greater amounts
  possible.
  

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding.  Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

&&

$$
192 
WGUS66 KSGX 211032
FFASGX

FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE San Diego CA
332 AM PDT Wed Mar 21 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE THIS EVENING THROUGH 
LATE THURSDAY NIGHT...

.A low pressure system off the California coast will move slowly
towards the coast spreading a strong atmospheric river of 
subtropical moisture into portions of central and southern 
California. Periods of mostly light rainfall are expected to 
continue through this evening. The rainfall is expected to become 
heavy at times late tonight and continue into Thursday. Urban and 
small stream flooding is likely with flash flooding possible. 
Debris flows may also occur near recent burn scars.

CAZ048-055-057-552-554-212145-
/O.CON.KSGX.FF.A.0002.180322T0600Z-180323T1200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire-
San Bernardino County Mountains-Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills-
Orange County Coastal Areas-Orange County Inland Areas-
Including the cities of Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, 
Moreno Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, Crestline, 
Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Running Springs, 
Wrightwood, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, 
Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Garden Grove, 
Irvine, Orange, Fullerton, and Mission Viejo
332 AM PDT Wed Mar 21 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE THIS EVENING 
THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT...

The Flash Flood Watch continues for

* Location...A portion of southwest California...including Orange
  County...the San Bernardino County Mountains...and the Inland 
  Empire. 

* Timing...The heaviest rainfall is expected for late tonight 
  through Thursday.

* Rainfall Rates...Near 0.5 inches per hour with peak short term
  rainfall rates of 0.75 inch per hour during periods of the most
  intense rainfall.  

* Storm Total Rainfall...Widespread 1.5 to 2 inches near the coast
  to 4 to 6 inches along the coastal slopes of the San Bernardino
  County mountains with locally greater amounts. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding.  Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

&&

$$

17
688 
WGUS66 KSGX 212200
FFASGX

FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE San Diego CA
300 PM PDT Wed Mar 21 2018

CAZ048-055-057-552-554-220600-
/O.CON.KSGX.FF.A.0002.180322T0600Z-180323T1200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire-
San Bernardino County Mountains-Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills-
Orange County Coastal Areas-Orange County Inland Areas-
Including the cities of Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, 
Moreno Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, Crestline, 
Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Running Springs, 
Wrightwood, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, 
Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Garden Grove, 
Irvine, Orange, Fullerton, and Mission Viejo
300 PM PDT Wed Mar 21 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM PDT THIS
EVENING THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT...

The Flash Flood Watch continues for

* A portion of southwest California... including the
  following...Orange County...The Inland Empire...San Bernardino
  County Mountains...and Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills. 

* from 11 PM PDT this evening through late Thursday night

* Rainfall Rates...Peak rainfall rates of one-half inch per hour.
 
* Storm Total Rainfall...Widespread 1 to 2 inches for coast and
  valley areas and 4 to 7 inches along the coast-facing slopes of
  the San Bernardino County mountains. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding.  Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

&&

$$

jmb

weather.gov/sandiego
440 
WGUS66 KSGX 220316
FFASGX

URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE San Diego CA
816 PM PDT Wed Mar 21 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH NOW BEGINS AT 6 AM PDT THURSDAY...

.Much of the rain has diminished this evening and is likely to 
develop again early on Thursday morning. The chance for heavy rain
is greatest during the day on Thursday as a weak trough 
approaches Southern California with deep tropical moisture.

CAZ048-055-057-552-554-221315-
/O.EXT.KSGX.FF.A.0002.180322T1300Z-180323T1000Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire-
San Bernardino County Mountains-Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills-
Orange County Coastal Areas-Orange County Inland Areas-
Including the cities of Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, 
Moreno Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, Crestline, 
Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Running Springs, 
Wrightwood, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, 
Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Garden Grove, 
Irvine, Orange, Fullerton, and Mission Viejo
816 PM PDT Wed Mar 21 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM PDT THURSDAY THROUGH
LATE THURSDAY NIGHT...

The Flash Flood Watch is now in effect for

* A portion of southwest California...including the following...
  Orange County...The San Bernardino County Mountains...The Santa
  Ana Mountains and foothills, and the Inland Empire. 

* from 6 AM PDT Thursday through late Thursday night

* Rainfall Rates...Peak rainfall rates of one-half inch per hour
  possible.

* Storm Total Rainfall...Widespread 1 to 2 inches for coast and 
  valley areas and 4 to 7 inches along the coast-facing slopes 
  of the San Bernardino County mountains. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding.  Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

&&

$$

jad
355 
WGUS66 KSGX 220938
FFASGX

FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE San Diego CA
238 AM PDT Thu Mar 22 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH TODAY AND TONIGHT...

.Rain will gradually increase during the day and become heavy at
times late morning through early afternoon. Rain rates could
become problematic during this time. The rain will gradually
decrease this evening and overnight. 

CAZ048-055-057-552-554-221600-
/O.CON.KSGX.FF.A.0002.180322T1300Z-180323T1000Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire-
San Bernardino County Mountains-Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills-
Orange County Coastal Areas-Orange County Inland Areas-
Including the cities of Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, 
Moreno Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, Crestline, 
Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Running Springs, 
Wrightwood, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, 
Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Garden Grove, 
Irvine, Orange, Fullerton, and Mission Viejo
238 AM PDT Thu Mar 22 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM PDT THIS MORNING
THROUGH LATE TONIGHT...

The Flash Flood Watch continues for

* A portion of southwest California...including the following... 
  Orange County ...Coastal Areas...Orange County Inland Areas... 
  San Bernardino County Mountains...San Bernardino and Riverside 
  County Valleys-The Inland Empire and Santa Ana Mountains and 
  Foothills. 

* from 6 AM PDT this morning through 3 am Friday

* Rainfall Rates...Peak rainfall rates of one-half inch per hour 
  possible. 

* Storm Total Rainfall...Widespread 1 to 2 inches for coast and 
  valley areas and 4 to 7 inches along the coast-facing slopes 
  of the San Bernardino County mountains. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.

Monitor forecast updates and be prepared to take action should 
Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

&&

$$
911 
WGUS66 KSGX 222051
FFASGX

FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE San Diego CA
151 PM PDT Thu Mar 22 2018

CAZ048-055-057-552-554-230500-
/O.CON.KSGX.FF.A.0002.000000T0000Z-180323T1000Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire-
San Bernardino County Mountains-Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills-
Orange County Coastal Areas-Orange County Inland Areas-
Including the cities of Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, 
Moreno Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, Crestline, 
Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Running Springs, 
Wrightwood, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, 
Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Garden Grove, 
Irvine, Orange, Fullerton, and Mission Viejo
151 PM PDT Thu Mar 22 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT...

The Flash Flood Watch continues for

* A portion of southwest California...including the following...
  Orange County...The San Bernardino County Mountains...The Santa
  Ana Mountains and foothills, and the Inland Empire. 

* through late tonight

* Rainfall Rates...Peak rainfall rates of one-quarter inch per 
  hour will still be possible. 

* Storm Total Rainfall...Widespread 1 to 2 inches in the watch
  area with isolated totals up to 4 inches along the coast- 
  facing slopes of the San Bernardino County mountains.
 
 PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.

Flash flooding and debris flows will be a particular threat in
and below the recently burned areas. Be prepared to take action 
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

&&

$$

jmb

weather.gov/sandiego
134 
WGUS66 KSGX 230446
FFASGX

FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE San Diego CA
946 PM PDT Thu Mar 22 2018

CAZ048-055-057-552-554-231000-
/O.CON.KSGX.FF.A.0002.000000T0000Z-180323T1000Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire-
San Bernardino County Mountains-Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills-
Orange County Coastal Areas-Orange County Inland Areas-
Including the cities of Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, 
Moreno Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, Crestline, 
Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Running Springs, 
Wrightwood, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, 
Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Garden Grove, 
Irvine, Orange, Fullerton, and Mission Viejo
946 PM PDT Thu Mar 22 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM PDT FRIDAY...

The Flash Flood Watch continues for

* A portion of southwest California...including the following...
  Orange County...The San Bernardino County Mountains...The Santa
  Ana Mountains and foothills, and the Inland Empire. 

* Until 3 AM PDT Friday

* Rainfall Rates...Isolated rates in excess of 0.25 inches per 
  hour remain possible.

* Storm Total Rainfall...Most areas will see less than 0.25 inches
  of additional rainfall. However locally heavier amounts remain 
  a concern.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.

Flash flooding and debris flows will be a particular threat in
and below the recently burned areas. Be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

&&

$$

Albright
875 
WGUS66 KSGX 230940
FFASGX

FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE San Diego CA
240 AM PDT Fri Mar 23 2018

CAZ048-055-057-552-554-231045-
/O.EXP.KSGX.FF.A.0002.000000T0000Z-180323T1000Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire-
San Bernardino County Mountains-Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills-
Orange County Coastal Areas-Orange County Inland Areas-
Including the cities of Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, 
Moreno Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, Crestline, 
Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Running Springs, 
Wrightwood, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, 
Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Garden Grove, 
Irvine, Orange, Fullerton, and Mission Viejo
240 AM PDT Fri Mar 23 2018

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH WILL EXPIRE AT 3 AM PDT EARLY THIS MORNING...

The Flash Flood Watch for a portion of southwest California will
expire at 3 AM PDT this morning. Isolated light showers will end
by late morning. Rainfall rates will remain very low, with no
threat of flash flooding.

$$

SS

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this flash flood watch went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS San Diego, CA wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood watch went out at Mar 19, 1:35 PM PDT, 1 hour 20 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Mar 19, 1:35 PM PDT, 1 hour 20 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service San Diego CA
135 PM PDT Mon Mar 19 2018

.SYNOPSIS...
Dry weather will continue through tonight. Light showers possible
as early as Tuesday as a strong atmospheric river begins to take
shape along the coast. Shower activity should then slowly increase
into Wednesday, especially north of San Diego County. The main
rain event is anticipated Wednesday night into Thursday, with
flash flooding and debris flows near recent burn scars possible.
Snow will not be a factor with this storm, with rain likely
impacting even the areas ski resorts through Thursday. Quieter
weather is expected over the weekend.

&&

.DISCUSSION...FOR EXTREME SOUTHWESTERN CALIFORNIA INCLUDING ORANGE...
SAN DIEGO...WESTERN RIVERSIDE AND SOUTHWESTERN SAN BERNARDINO
COUNTIES...

At 130 PM...The weather was beautiful and the forecaster was
focused on the upcoming storm system that will affect the region
late Tuesday through Friday. Currently the region was dominated by
ridging, with just a few high clouds passing overhead. Though the
storm system that will affect the region later in the week was
evident/churning about 1,200 miles west of San Francisco on
satellite imagery.

Ridging will dominate for the next 24 hours, though increasing
high clouds will be a harbinger of things to come. Afternoon highs
will be near seasonal averages Tuesday.

The atmospheric river (AR) that will impact California Tuesday
through Friday was taking shape over the east central Pacific. An
initial push of sub-topical moisture is expected Tuesday, with and
ahead of a warm frontal passage. This may result in some light
shower activity over the region (particularly north and west of San
Diego County), along with more persistent cloud cover. Light
showers should remain possible through Tuesday night, with areas
of light upslope favoring the coastal slopes.

Some uncertainty creeps into the forecast for Wednesday, with
model differences of a couple hundred miles in the north-south
placement of the deepest moisture (AR). The area with the highest
probability of excessive rainfall looks to be focused on a region
near Point Conception (see WPC Excessive Rainfall Outlook).
However slight changes could shift this region closer to L.A. or
Orange Counties during this period. In any case rain remains in
the forecast for this period with rain chances and accumulations
decreasing rapidly from north to south. Snow is not expected, with
the sub-tropical nature of this system pushing snow levels well
above resort level (Snow levels 9,000 ft or higher).

The main period over concern for flash flooding and/or debris
flows near recent burn scars is expected for Orange, San
Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego Counties during the Wednesday
Night-Thursday time period. This is when the low off the coast
opens up and is absorbed into the broader east west flow, shifting
the core of the strong AR south and east. It will also drag a
cold front through the region. Though timing differences of around
12 hours still exist in the guidance, forecaster confidence is
high that a 6-12 hour period of moderate-heavy rain will occur.
The depth of the saturated layer (up to 200 mb!) will result in a
heavy rain threat that could extend into the deserts (especially
the upper deserts). Highest totals should be found along the
coastal slopes, where 850 mb upslope flow may approach 35-45 knots
at times. Those with activities that are flood sensitive should
be focused on this period! A detailed rain forecast can be found
in the Hydrology section below. Gusty winds are expected along the
desert slopes, but they should occur in areas that generally see
minimal impact. Snow will remain a non factor with snow levels at
or above 9,000 ft through Thursday.

Light rainfall may linger into Friday with the northwesterly flow
behind the cold front. Snow levels will finally begin to dip
during this period, though rapid decreases in available moisture
will limit any snow accumulations to just a few inches.

The weekend should see below average temperatures as troughing
lingers along the West Coast. A period of light showers can't be
ruled out for Sunday.

&&

.AVIATION...
192030Z...SCT-BKN clouds above 12000 ft MSL will continue through
Tuesday morning with unrestricted VIS. Clouds will increase Tuesday
afternoon, and in Orange County and southwestern San Bernardino
County bases lowering to 5000-8000 ft MSL with -SHRA and some
mountain obscurations possible.

&&

.MARINE...
No hazardous marine weather is forecast through Thursday. A storm
system will likely bring rain Wednesday and beyond, while higher
winds and swell are likely Friday and Saturday, possibly reaching
small craft advisory.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
A low pressure system and associated with a strong atmospheric
river will impact California Tuesday through Friday. The greatest
rainfall and impacts are anticipated in SoCal Wednesday night into
Thursday, though light showers are possible as early as Tuesday.
Uncertainty is higher for Orange and San Bernardino Counties,
where a slight southward shift in storm track could result in an
earlier onset of moderate to heavy rainfall. The following
provides details on expected storm total rainfall and rainfall
rates. In general rain totals should decrease from north to south.

Forecast Rain Totals:

Orange County: 1-3 inches
Inland Empire: 1-4 inches
Coastal Slopes: 3-6 inches with local amounts to 8 inches San
Diego County (coast & valleys): 0.5-2 inches Upper Deserts: 0.75-2
inches Coachella Valley: 0.25-1.00 inches San Diego County
Desert: 0.25-0.75 inches

Hourly Rainfall Rates:

Tuesday - Wednesday Afternoon
0.25 inches or less locally higher along the coastal slopes.

Wednesday Night - Thursday
Rates near 0.50 inches per hour probable, with the potential for
rates as high as 0.75-1.00 per hour for brief periods.

Snow is not expected to be an issue, with snow levels remaining at
or above 9,000 ft for most of the storm.

&&

.SKYWARN...
Skywarn activation will not be needed today.

&&

.SGX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
CA...NONE.
PZ...NONE.
&&

PUBLIC/HYDROLOGY...Albright
AVIATION/MARINE/BEACHES...Maxwell

Nearby

Flash Flood Watches in California, 2018Every flash flood watch in 2018

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.