By early Monday afternoon, parts of San Diego’s Midway District went from busy commercial strip to shallow lagoon in a matter of minutes, as floodwaters rushed through parking lots and storefronts and forced businesses to shut their doors early. Employees and customers scrambled to move inventory off the floor and get cars to higher ground while wind-driven rain pounded the neighborhood. Emergency crews were dispatched to multiple trouble spots as several roads became impassable.
According to FOX5 San Diego, water overtook low-lying areas around 2 p.m., prompting businesses up and down the corridor to call it a day far earlier than planned. CrossFit Humanity canceled its Monday night and Tuesday morning classes so staff could mop up and clear equipment after roughly 2 inches of water poured into the gym in about 15 minutes. FOX5 also reported that a customer was unable to pick up his dog, Barley, from Wags and Ruffs dog daycare because flooding made the business inaccessible.
Roads and infrastructure
A water-main break added insult to injury, flooding Midway Drive and closing lanes, according to KGTV/ABC 10News. City officials said crews were working through the night to repair a broken cast-iron transmission main in the 2700 block of Midway Drive and to lay down a temporary asphalt patch so lanes could reopen. Nearby restaurants reported shutting early as standing water crept into dining rooms and spread across parking lots.
Rescues and cleanup
San Diego Fire-Rescue crews fielded multiple calls as steady rain and strong winds toppled trees and pushed water over curbs and onto roadways. One driver had to be pulled from a flooded road beneath Highway 163, FOX5 San Diego reported. Business owners described a sudden, intense burst of rain that filled low spots in minutes, leaving interiors slicked with mud and debris. Employees said pumps, sandbags and fast cleanup work were the top priorities to protect equipment and reopen as safely and quickly as possible.
What to expect this week
Forecasts and city officials warned that more rain could arrive later in the week, bringing a continued risk of ponding and minor urban flooding, as summarized by Times of San Diego and National Weather Service guidance. The city reminded residents about sandbag pickup locations and urged drivers to steer clear of standing water rather than trying to power through it…