Wet Roads and Fat Tuesday Events Slowing San Diego Commutes Today
Wet Conditions and Flood Warnings in Mission Valley
Commuters heading through the heart of San Diego this morning should exercise extreme caution as a persistent winter storm continues to impact the region. Following heavy rainfall on Monday, San Diego Fire-Rescue officials are maintaining a close watch on flood-prone areas. Specifically, motorists are advised to avoid the Hazard Center Drive area near the northbound State Route 163, which has already seen significant water accumulation and required swiftwater rescue staging earlier this week. Local authorities urge drivers to steer clear of Fashion Valley and other low-lying crossings, as even six inches of fast-moving water can be dangerous.
Fat Tuesday Celebrations to Impact Downtown Traffic
Expect significant congestion in the Gaslamp Quarter and surrounding Downtown streets today, Tuesday, February 17. The 2026 Gaslamp Mardi Gras and San Diego Fat Tuesday festivities are scheduled to begin today and continue through tomorrow. Increased pedestrian traffic and rolling road closures around the French Quarter-inspired event zones are likely to slow the evening commute. If you are traveling through the downtown core, consider utilizing the Blue or Orange Line Trolleys to avoid parking challenges and surface street delays caused by the celebrations.
Public Transit Alerts and MTS Route Changes
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has returned to regular weekday service following the Presidents' Day holiday, but several service alerts remain in effect. For riders on Route 8 (Old Town to Balboa Ave), the temporary stop closure at Mission Blvd and San Juan Pl remains active through the end of today due to ongoing construction. Passengers are advised to use the stop at Mission Blvd and El Carmel instead.
Commuters should also be aware of recently implemented service adjustments across approximately 60 bus routes. Notably, the Rapid 235 line has increased its midday frequency to every 15 minutes, and Route 3 has seen improvements in service timing to better accommodate riders in Hillcrest and the Gaslamp Quarter. Despite these improvements, the current weather conditions may cause minor delays across the bus network, so checking the real-time status via the PRONTO app is recommended.
I-805 and I-5 Construction Reminders
While the major bridge work on northbound I-5 at Gilman Drive is primarily scheduled for the upcoming weekend, preparatory work and ongoing infrastructure rehabilitation on I-805 in the South Bay continue to affect lane availability. Caltrans crews are currently working on a $235 million overhaul of the I-805 corridor, which includes repairing decades-old pavement and adding new auxiliary lanes. While most heavy work is reserved for night hours, remain alert for shifting lanes and construction vehicles near the Telegraph Canyon Road and Home Avenue interchanges.