General rain advisory issued for San Diego County beaches

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego County experienced gusty winds and significant rainfall on Tuesday from the mountains to the coast.

Some Coronado residents say the winds were unlike anything they’ve seen before.

“We could see sand building the waves, so I am moving on the track and the sand is moving ahead of me, but in that wavy pattern,” said Divye Mengheni, Coronado resident.

Then came the rain.

“Crossing the Orange Street we did found pouring rain on us,” Mengheni said.

The storm causing a general rain advisory to be issued at San Diego County beaches stretching from North County to Coronado.

According to the county, a general rain advisory is issued when significant rain, considered to be about two tenths of an inch, causes urban runoff to enter the ocean and bays. This was well-documented by many during the storm Tuesday, some sharing videos of dark, dirty water flowing out of the drains and into the ocean.

The runoff can cause levels of bacteria to significantly increase in ocean waters, especially near storm drains.

For this reason, the county recommends avoiding swimming, surfing and diving for 72 hours following a rain event – and some say they’re not taking any chances.

“Water is always healing, but not with tons of bacteria in there, so I would wait until we get the announcement about when it is safe to go in the water,” Mengheni said.

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