Hundreds Rescued as ‘Unprecedented’ Storm Causes $7 Million in Damages to San Diego

City, county, and state officials declared emergencies after widespread flooding caused by a heavy rainstorm swept away cars and damaged buildings and homes.

A person stands near a vehicle moved by flooding that remains lodged on a fence the day after an explosive rainstorm deluged areas in San Diego on Jan. 23, 2024. The intense rains forced dozens of rescues while flooding roadways and homes and knocking out electricity for thousands of residents. Mario Tama/Getty Images

San Diego residents spent Jan. 23 mopping up and recovering the day after a record-breaking storm slammed the Southern California city with torrential rain and flash flooding.

“Luckily, we saw very few injuries and no fatalities,” San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief Colin Stowell told reporters during an afternoon press conference. “For a storm this size, that was simply remarkable.”