Overview
- A falling tree section killed 64-year-old Roberto Ruiz near Marlborough Avenue and Wightman Street in City Heights around 10:55 a.m., after firefighters extricated him and provided aid at the scene.
- City arborists cut down the remaining sections of the split tree that also damaged a nearby home without additional injuries, and officials are reviewing ownership and maintenance records after noting a January 2024 trim with no subsequent requests on file.
- National Weather Service data showed unusually powerful southerly gusts, peaking at 61 mph at Cuyamaca Peak, which officials say likely contributed to multiple tree failures across the region.
- The storm knocked out power to as many as 14,000 SDG&E customers and prompted 244 flight delays at San Diego International Airport after a wind-driven runway direction change.
- Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for several counties including San Diego as crews cleared debris, kept inclement-weather shelters available, and prepared for additional showers and residual winds.