Flooding in California, February 14 to 15, 1998

Another in a series of strong low pressure troughs moved rapidly through California from the west. During the afternoon and evening hours, most coastal areas received between one and two inches of rain, with as much as four inches reported in Placentia, in northeast Orange County. Valley and mountain areas picked up anywhere from three to five inches. The rapid runoff forced the San Louis Rey River out of it's banks in the Pauma Valley, and closed numerous roads due to high water, mud slides, and washed out or undermined bridges. Flooded intersections prompted several rescues. In northern San Diego County, previously torched hillsides gave way under the torrential downpours, sending rivers of mud onto many roads. A hillside slid into a restaurant in Laguna Beach, and a large sink hole forced the closure of Santiago Canyon Road for several days. Local two inch rains sent the San Diego River slightly above flood stage, submerging low-lying roads and parking facilities for the second time in two weeks.