San Diegans cry, hug outside damaged homes after stunning flash floods in normally balmy city

By DENIS POROY, JULIE WATSON and JOHN ANTCZAK
Associated Press

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Flash floods that raged through parts of San Diego were spawned by a torrential storm that produced the city’s fourth-wettest day on record, in stark contrast to its image as a balmy seaside playground. The National Weather Service says the 2.73 inches of rain that fell Monday also marked the city’s wettest January day on record. Much of it fell rapidly, suddenly waters were rising and rushing. Streets and freeways were submerged, halting traffic, buses and trolleys. Torrents coursed through neighborhoods including Mountain View and Southcrest. Authorities say hundreds of people were rescued from their homes. Mayor Todd Gloria has declared a local state of emergency.