Torrential rainfall plunged San Diego County into chaos on Monday, as officials declared a state of emergency amid flash flooding in San Diego that swallowed roadways, downed trees, and cut power to thousands.
The latest bout of extreme weather turned morning commutes into disasters and forced school closures across the region. Videos showed vehicles overtaken by raging floodwaters as residents braced for the worst storm in recent memory.
The flash floods represent the most severe effects of a powerful low-pressure system that has dumped heavy rain and snow across the West over the past week.
While San Diego bore the brunt of the damage, Los Angeles County and parts of the Southwest also faced flood risks and travel hazards from the unsettled weather pattern.
In San Diego, a flood watch will remain in effect until Tuesday evening, according to the National Weather Service, which warned of excessive rainfall with storm drains overwhelmed.