San Diego Commute: Winter Storm Warning and Wind Advisories Impact Morning Travel

Morning Commute Overview for Thursday, February 19, 2026

San Diego commuters are facing a challenging start to the day this Thursday as a combination of active weather warnings and lingering construction work impacts major arteries across the county. The National Weather Service has maintained a Winter Storm Warning for the region's mountains and higher elevations, which remains in effect until 9:00 AM this morning. In the coastal corridors and inland valleys, a 75% chance of rain is expected throughout the day, creating slippery conditions for the morning rush hour. Motorists are advised to allow for extra travel time as visibility may be reduced during periods of heavy drizzle.

Highway and Major Artery Updates

Motorists traveling on Interstate 8 should exercise extreme caution today. A high wind advisory is currently in effect from Alpine to the San Diego/Imperial County line. Authorities recommend that drivers of high-profile vehicles, campers, and trailers avoid this stretch until conditions improve later this afternoon. Additionally, early morning commuters on I-8 eastbound encountered significant delays near Lake Murray Boulevard (70th Street) due to defective traffic signals. Maintenance crews have been working on the site with signals set to flash until approximately 5:00 AM.

• State Route 125: Southbound construction assistance near Lemon Avenue is scheduled to conclude by 5:00 AM, though minor lane tapering may linger as the work zone is cleared.
• State Route 78: Road and weather conditions were reported as a hazard late last night near the Civic Center in Oceanside; drivers should watch for slick spots on the pavement this morning.
• Interstate 805: The long-term $235 million rehabilitation project continues in the South Bay. While most heavy lane closures are scheduled for nighttime, reduced shoulder space and narrow lanes between the border and central San Diego may cause slower-than-usual flow.
• State Route 15: The connector from southbound SR-15 to Interstate 5 has been cleared following late-night construction activities that ended at 2:00 AM.

Public Transit and Rail Alerts

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has issued several service alerts for today. Route 855 traveling northbound to the Spring Street Trolley Station is currently on detour due to construction on Calavo Drive. This detour, which closes five bus stops along Calavo and Austin Drives between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM, will remain in effect through February 23. Furthermore, the bus stop at westbound University Avenue and Vermont Street for Routes 1, 10, and 11 remains closed 24/7 due to ongoing construction; passengers are directed to use the stop at 9th Avenue.

• SDSU Transit Center: The escalators at the SDSU Station are currently out of service. Repairs are ongoing and expected to be completed by late Friday evening.
• NCTD/Rail Service: While rail service is running normally today, the North County Transit District has announced that all coastal rail service between San Diego and Oceanside will be suspended this coming weekend, February 21-22, for major infrastructure work.

Safety Tips for Today's Commute

With rain and wind affecting the region, the San Diego Police Department reminds drivers to keep their headlights on and increase following distances. If you encounter a flooded roadway or standing water on freeway transitions, do not attempt to drive through it. Stay tuned to local updates for any sudden SigAlerts that may arise during the peak morning hours.