TIJUANA, Baja California, March 11, 2025 - Tijuana residents are bracing for intense rainfall over the next few days, as the city's Civil Protection director, José Luis Jiménez, issues urgent recommendations for safety. Tonight, the city will experience the most significant rains of the week, with wind gusts reaching up to 25 kilometers per hour. Isolated showers are expected to continue until the early morning of Thursday, March 13, when the region should brace for another impending electrical storm.
Jiménez, addressing the media, stated, "The first storm is set to arrive at approximately 5 PM this evening and will likely end around midnight." He explained the weather forecast predicts the possibility of rain continuing for four consecutive days, with the intensity varying from moderate to heavy.
Remarkably, as of Tuesday afternoon, local authorities have yet to report any significant incidents related to the storms. The Civil Protection team continues to monitor the situation proactively. “Until now, we haven’t encountered any relevant impacts, though we're closely observing areas prone to flooding,” Jiménez noted. “Cables downed and minor short circuits have been our sole issues so far.”
Residents are advised to drive cautiously, maintain drainage systems by keeping their gutters and storm drains clean, and avoid walking or driving through flooded areas. According to the director, the city anticipates rainfall accumulation of about one inch from March 11 to March 13, and there are plans to set up shelters if the situation worsens, particularly at the Reforma camp.
On Wednesday, March 12, rain intensity is expected to decrease, with the forecast indicating only a 40 percent chance of isolated showers. Temperatures will taper as the storm system passes through the region.
Thursday morning is poised to bring more dramatic conditions as the last storm is projected to hit around 4 or 5 AM. This storm could bring electrical phenomena lasting until 3 PM. Jiménez indicated the worst of this next storm is anticipated to occur between 5 AM and 11 AM, fueled by previously accumulated moisture.
“After 11 AM, we expect lighter rain until the afternoon, and by nightfall, the area should be relatively free from showers,” he added.
The impact of these storms on the community has sparked discussions about potential school closures. A meeting of the State Civil Protection Council will be held to determine whether classes will be suspended following the severe weather conditions. Jiménez mentioned they will take the data from the storms' progression to make their decision.
For now, authorities are urging vigilance among the community. “We've asked everyone to stay updated on safety guidelines through our official Civil Protection website,” Jiménez concluded. He encouraged residents not to throw garbage to drains and channels, as such actions could exacerbate flooding issues.
With these precautions and proactive measures, Tijuana aims to safeguard its residents against the upcoming volatile weather changes. The community's cooperative efforts will be pivotal to navigate through these challenging meteorological events and minimize risks.